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Stanley Nwabali, Madagascar

Stanley Nwabali’s impressive performance during Friday night’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar has firmly placed him at the forefront of the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping hierarchy.

The Chippa United shot-stopper successfully held off fierce competition from Arthur Okonkwo and Maduka Okoye to start the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Nwabali’s crucial display, highlighted by a decisive one-on-one save against Madagascar’s captain Rayan Raveloson just after the hour mark, drew warm praise from head coach Eric Chelle and former international Victor Ikpeba. The vital intervention kept Nigeria in the contest, paving the way for George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor to complete a much-needed turnaround.

Coach Eric Chelle singled out Nwabali’s crucial second-half intervention, noting that his presence in goal was practically flawless at the most critical moments of the game.

Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, was even more forthright in his assessment, publicly declaring the 30-year-old as Nigeria’s undisputed number one ahead of Okoye. Speaking on SuperSport, Ikpeba praised Nwabali’s determination and belief, emphasizing that the goalkeeper’s critical save spared the team’s blushes in a highly tense situation that could have easily swung the match in Madagascar’s favor.

“Credit to Nwabali; he is the number one goalkeeper for the national team. In my opinion, he is better than Maduka,” Ikpeba declared. “People at home might disagree, but he is the number one goalkeeper for the national team.”

Nwabali’s path to the starting lineup was somewhat paved by Maduka Okoye’s troubled build-up to the crucial fixture. The Udinese goalkeeper did not land in Akwa Ibom until Friday morning, mere hours before kick-off, having missed every single training session during the week.

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His continued absence drew heavy criticism from Nigerian fans and sports journalists, especially after pictures surfaced on Wednesday showing the goalkeeper in Italy alongside American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week. The incident marked the second time in recent months he had been photographed with the rapper at a fashion event. While Coach Chelle explained that Udinese had sought permission for their goalkeeper to fulfill the commercial engagement, fans and analysts quickly pointed out Okoye’s recurring pattern of arriving late for international duty, referencing similar delays ahead of crucial World Cup and AFCON qualifiers in the past.

Meanwhile, Arthur Okonkwo, who was named the back-up goalkeeper for the match, continues to push his own case for the starting role. The 24-year-old Charlton Athletic loanee has impressed since switching his international allegiance from England, keeping clean sheets in his early appearances for the Super Eagles.

Despite the intense competition, Okonkwo has maintained a grounded approach. He revealed his deep admiration for legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, aspiring to emulate or even surpass his idol’s legacy. For now, however, Okonkwo insists his immediate focus remains on learning from his more experienced teammates within the national setup.

All three goalkeepers remain in strong contention heading into Nigeria’s second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. With Okoye now back in full training, Coach Chelle faces a fresh selection headache as the battle for the Super Eagles’ number one jersey intensifies.

The Traffic NG
Madagascar Stanley Nwabali
Ayomikun Elemikan
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