There are growing calls for Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to replace Chippa United shot-stopper, Stanley Nwabali as Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs next week.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final of the World Cup playoffs in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday, 13 November.
The winner of the encounter will take on the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo for a place in the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But ahead of the World Cup playoffs, Nwabali’s position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper is under threat following the impressive performances of Okoye.
Nwabali had suffered criticism for his performances for the Super Eagles in recent matches.
His form has been erratic, coupled with his judgment in high-pressure moments.
Also, several on-field outbursts have only added to concerns about his temperament.
The Chippa United goalkeeper has struggled for form in recent matches for the Super Eagles.
The 29-year-old almost cost Eric Chelle’s side a red card in their 1-0 victory against Rwanda during the World Cup qualifier after being booked for time-wasting and later committing a foul that went unnoticed because of the absence of VAR.
His struggles continued against Lesotho, where he conceded a late goal after Nigeria had taken a 2-0 lead via William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams.
Tensions rose during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium when Nwabali clashed with teammate, Calvin Bassey at halftime.
Following the game, former Nigeria defender, Sam Sodje urged Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle to change Nwabali if he feels the Chippa United goalkeeper will cost Nigeria a World Cup ticket.
“When you have players like Stanley, the way he plays, talks and carries himself, there is a difference between being confident and having a bad attitude,” Sodje said.
“If the coach feels like Stanley will cost us the game, you’d better make the change now before it is too late.
“He has been giving us signs that he will do something stupid soon. This is where a psychologist comes in.”
Okoye, on the other hand, could offer a calming presence that the Super Eagles have lacked in recent matches.
Okoye’s performance against Russia in a friendly match last June, held in the intimidating atmosphere inside the Luzhniki Stadium, showcased his ability to thrive under pressure.
The Udinese goalkeeper, who recently returned from a two-month ban over his alleged involvement in a betting scandal, would be hoping to displace Nwabali from the position of Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper in the coming games.
The 26-year-old kept a clean sheet as Udinese defeated Atalanta 1-0 in the Serie A tie at the Bluenergy Stadium over the weekend.
Speaking with DAILY POST on Monday, respected Lagos-based journalist, Femi Fabunmi, gave his view on calls for Okoye to replace Nwabali as Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper.
“Okoye has been very good in recent times, but I do not think he should take Nwabali’s place just like that,” Fabunmi said.
“We shouldn’t change the status quo by replacing Nwabali with Okoye all of a sudden.
“The latter can be introduced gradually, maybe in friendlies and other dead rubber games if we have any.
“At last, the AFCON in December can be a good time to bring him on.
“But for now, he should be our number two choice.”
