Stanley Nwabali Discusses Competition With Maduka Okoye for Nigeria’s Goalkeeper Spot

• Chippa United's Stanley Nwabali produced excellent performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for the Nigerian national team
• The 28-year-old has welcomed competition from Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, who had an outstanding season in the Serie A
• The 24-year-old has barely featured for the Super Eagles following his error against Tunisia at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon

Stanley Nwabali stole the show for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a string of match-winning performances.

He dislodged Francis Uzoho from the starting spot at the start of the tournament and never looked back.

The Chippa United goalkeeper is now facing competition from, Maduka Okoye, but he has welcomed competition from the Udinese star.

Nwabali was narrowly beaten to the AFCON Golden Glove by South Africa's Ronwen Williams, but his performances saw him become the undisputed No. 1 for the Super Eagles.

World Cup Qualifiers: Fresh Injury Hits Super Eagles Camp Ahead of South Africa, Benin Clashes

Football

The former Enugu Rangers shot-stopper kept four clean sheets to help Nigeria finish second in the tournament after losing to Ivory Coast in the final.

Okoye had a phenomenal season with Serie A side Udinese but has barely played for Nigeria since his costly mistake against Tunisia at the 2021 AFCON. Nwabali said whoever is doing well should start.

“There’s no debate. If Maduka can give what he’s giving Udinese to the country, then he should play,” Nwabali said via Soccernet.

“It’s not like a club side, where you see a new signing and you talk about fighting, No. This is country we are playing for, we are representing this green white green, and we want to see everyone happy.”

New Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, started Nwabali during the March international break against Ghana and Mali.

Stanley Nwabali: Chippa United Coach Claims Nigeria Goalkeeper Dreamt of Playing for Kaizer Chiefs

Football

Nwabali drops transfer hint

Sports Brief previously reported on Nwabali addressing his desire for a move away from Chippa United.

The ex-Enyimba goalie had an outstanding 2023/24 season with the Chilli Boys in the PSL, keeping 12 clean sheets in 29 appearances.

Okoye reacts to Nigeria call-up

Sports Brief also reported on Okoye reacting to the call-up to the Nigeria national team.

The Udinsese goalie was delighted with the news and is looking forward to wearing the white and green colours of Nigeria.