Nwabali Reclaims Super Eagles No. 1 Spot

Irikefe Oghenetega Victor

Stanley Nwabali firmly re-established himself as Nigeria’s undisputed number one with a game-defining performance in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar on Friday.

With the score locked at 1-1 in the second half, the goalkeeper stood tall to deny Rayan Raveloson in a one-on-one situation in the 51st minute. Nwabali refused to commit early and calmly stripped the ball away, preventing Madagascar from restoring their lead.

The crucial intervention proved decisive. Shortly afterwards, debutant Moses Usor came off the bench to score the winner, handing Nigeria all three points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Head coach Éric Chelle later praised the goalkeeper, stating that Nwabali “practically was very good” at the key moment.

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba went further, insisting Nwabali is a better goalkeeper than Maduka Okoye. Okoye had started the June friendlies but was left on the bench after reporting late for camp, having been allowed to attend a club event.

The appearance marked Nwabali’s first for Nigeria since keeping four consecutive clean sheets at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite an early misjudgment on Madagascar’s opening goal, his elite reflexes under pressure reaffirmed his status as the national team’s first choice.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to a crucial Group L clash against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September, at the Stade de la Réunification in Garoua.

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