Former Nigeria international Friday Ekpo believes Stanley Nwabali will have to fight hard to win back the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper spot, arguing that Maduka Okoye’s impressive form in Serie A is making it increasingly difficult to look past him.
Ekpo raised particular concern about Nwabali’s lack of regular match action at club level, pointing to the time away from competitive football that has followed his departure from South African outfit Chippa United earlier this year.
“There is no doubt that Nwabali is talented, but inactivity at club level is always a concern for any goalkeeper,” Ekpo said. “It will not be easy for him to walk back into the team considering how well Maduka Okoye has performed this season.”
Okoye, meanwhile, has been a standout performer for Udinese, delivering a series of strong displays that have helped restore confidence in his game after earlier challenging stretches in his career. With that run of form, he has reasserted himself as a leading candidate for Nigeria’s starting position between the posts.
Implications for Nigeria’s selection
- Ekpo warned that Nwabali’s absence from club competition could become a decisive factor in the race for the No. 1 jersey.
- He suggested Okoye’s recent output has strengthened his case and raised the difficulty of dislodging him from the team.
- As Nigeria move into preparations for upcoming international matches and AFCON qualification encounters, the goalkeeping contest is expected to intensify.
- Coach Eric Chelle will face an important selection call when deciding which goalkeeper to start for the Eagles.
