Stanley Nwabali Confident of His No. 1 Spot in Nigeria Squad After Maduka Okoye’s Arrival

• Stanley Nwabali made the No. 1 jersey in the Nigeria team following impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The Chippa United star has discussed the arrival of Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, who will challenge him for the No. 1 spot
• Okoye took a prolonged break from the Super Eagles following a costly error at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon

Stanley Nwabali is the undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper for Nigeria.

His performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations solidified his position, but Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, is coming for his crown.

The Chippa United goalkeeper is embracing competition and not feeling the pressure yet.

Nwabali kept four clean sheets and made crucial saves to help the Super Eagles reach the final in Ivory Coast, but it ended painfully as they lost to the hosts. In the Dstv Premiership, he kept 11 clean sheets in 26 matches.

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Meanwhile, Okoye bounced back from a costly error that saw Nigeria eliminated from the 2021 AFCON. After being a second-choice goalie in Udinese's first 17 matches of the season, he played every single minute of the next 21, per Transfermarkt.

His newfound form could convince Nigeria's new coach, Finidi George, to give him a chance in their upcoming matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

Nwabali is confident about his position in the team and has welcomed competition with Okoye.

"I'm not under pressure. Maduka is a very good goalkeeper, to be honest. This will be my first time working with him," Nwabali said via Complete Sports.

"His presence is going to motivate everyone to do well. Having him around will bring out the best in all of us. It is good when we have quality goalkeepers in the team."

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Nwabali is expected to start both 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but Finidi might give Okoye a chance following his impressive season in Italy.

Nwabali drops transfer hint

Sports Brief also previously reported on Nwabali voicing his desire to leave DStv Premiership side, Chippa United.

The Lobi Stars shot-stopper had an outstanding 2023/24 season with the Chilli Boys but is expected to move away.

Okoye reacts to Nigeria call-up

Sports Brief previously reported on Okoye sharing his thoughts after Nigeria called him up for the national team.

The 24-year-old Udinese star was thrilled with the news and is looking forward to representing his country again.