By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has broken his silence on the current goalkeeping situation, acknowledging Maduka Okoye’s impressive performances as Nigeria’s new first-choice shot-stopper.
Nwabali, who was Nigeria’s undisputed No.1 earlier this year, has been absent from the national team setup since the Africa Cup of Nations. His lack of club football after mutually terminating his contract with Chippa United has resulted in his omission from recent squads, opening the door for competition.
During a recent live session with fans, Nwabali offered a measured response when asked about his national team future. He said: “It’s not everybody that will keep. A lot of players need to play also.” The comment reflects his understanding of the situation while subtly acknowledging the importance of regular game time.
Maduka Okoye has taken full advantage of the opportunity, delivering strong performances against Poland and Portugal. His sharp reflexes and command of the box, including several world-class saves against Portugal, have earned him praise and strengthened his claim to the starting position.
Nwabali, who rose to prominence with his heroics at the 2023 AFCON and contributed to Nigeria’s bronze medal in 2025, remains highly rated by fans and the coaching staff. However, with the summer transfer window open, he is actively being linked with moves to Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa and Simba SC in Tanzania as he seeks regular playing time.
For now, reclaiming the No.1 jersey looks difficult for Nwabali as Okoye continues to impress. The former Enyimba goalkeeper will be focused on securing a new club deal to rebuild his match sharpness and push for a return to the Super Eagles setup.
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