The Omonia goalkeeper, who featured in the squad for the previous edition of the tournament, was a surprise inclusion in Eric Chelle’s team bound for Morocco following the omission of Udinese’s Maduka Okoye.
Uzoho is set to compete with Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie for the starting goalkeeper’s role, and he highlighted his pride at being the first player to arrive at the Super Eagles’ camp at the Renaissance Hotel in Cairo.
Speaking to Super Eagles media, the 27-year-old reflected on the significance of his return to international duty, revealed how he received news of his inclusion in the final squad, and spoke about what he missed most about the three-time African champions, while affirming his readiness for the challenge ahead.
"I was filled with joy, you know, a joy that I cannot actually express to you right now," said the Cyprus-based goalkeeper.
"Yeah, it was relieving to know that I'm coming back again to be with the boys and to have that same feeling we used to have before and to represent Nigeria, which is the most important thing.
"I think anybody that is called up into the national team is ready. You know, if you're not ready, you won't be called up.
"I think the technical crew and the scouts know what they're doing. And for them to call somebody up, they know that the person is ready to represent the country.
"So basically, I am ready. And if the time comes and the country needs me, I will be ready."
Uzoho continued: "I missed quite a lot, but I think I missed the boys, to be honest. I missed the boys, I missed the vibe in the camp, you know, because we've done quite a lot together.
"Once in a while, we do chat, we check up on each other. Yeah, so like, you know, I have my own colleagues that I'm quite close to. But in general, I do reach out to the boys."
When asked about his relationship with the other goalkeepers, the former Deportivo La Coruna shot-stopper said: "I think I was with Amas (Obasogie) twice in the national team before I stopped coming.
"Yeah, so he's a good lad and we were close. I'm close to everybody.
"And for Stanley (Nwabali), he's my brother, you know. When he came (for the first time), we were all together. We helped each other. I helped him and he also helped me.
"He is a good guy and I have a very close relationship with him. Maybe the people outside don't see this."
As of Monday morning, only eight players had reported to camp: Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi.
More players are expected to arrive later in the day as Chelle’s squad intensifies preparations for a potential fourth African title, particularly after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria will open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 at the Fez Stadium, before facing Tunisia and Uganda on December 27 and 30 respectively.
The Super Eagles last lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 2013, edging Burkina Faso 1–0 in the final thanks to Sunday Mba’s decisive strike at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
