2 reasons Maduka Okoye can edge Nwabali in Super Eagles AFCON qualifiers

Maduka Okoye has given Eric Chelle another reason to reconsider his Super Eagles goalkeeping hierarchy ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Udinese goalkeeper returned to Serie A action on Saturday, starting in the 1-1 draw with Como and producing several important saves as his side opened the campaign with a point.

It was another reminder of the level at which Okoye is competing every week, and it comes at an interesting time for Nigeria’s goalkeeping department.

Stanley Nwabali remains the strongest contender for the starting shirt after establishing himself as Nigeria’s first choice during the 2023 AFCON and retaining that status through the 2025 tournament.

However, Nwabali has also only recently returned to competitive football after an extended spell away from the game.

His comeback was impressive, earning him the Man of the Match award after six saves in Chippa United’s goalless draw against Golden Arrows, although his other appearances have been met with mixed responses.

Why Maduka Okoye can edge Nwabali in Super Eagles AFCON qualifiers

1. Okoye is operating at a higher level

The biggest advantage Okoye currently possesses is the environment in which he is playing.

Serie A provides a considerably stronger weekly test than the PSL, particularly for a goalkeeper whose decision-making, positioning and distribution are constantly being challenged against some of Europe’s best attackers.

Okoye’s start against Como also suggests that his return from injury has not disrupted his position at Udinese.

That regular exposure could become decisive for Chelle. International football offers little time for preparation, meaning a goalkeeper arriving from a high-level competitive environment could have an advantage over one still rebuilding his rhythm.

Okoye himself made clear how much returning to competitive action meant to him.

“I’m happy to get back on the pitch and show what I can do,” he said after the Como draw in quotes revealed by Tutto Udinese.

“We are satisfied, we played a good game against a very strong Como, we are happy.

“I’m glad I helped a bit, but above all it’s the team that has played a beautiful game. Let’s think about the next one, we got a point.”

2. Okoye now has something to prove for Nigeria

The goalkeeper’s international career has been complicated, but he has already experienced the pressure of being Nigeria’s No.1 before Nwabali’s emergence changed the picture.

Nwabali’s rise was spectacular, particularly at AFCON 2023, where he became one of Nigeria’s most trusted players and established himself as the preferred option, but his recent absence means the position isn’t solely his like it used to.

Nwabali’s return was excellent, with his six-save performance against Golden Arrows demonstrating that he remains capable of producing match-winning displays.

That is precisely why Okoye’s challenge is fascinating. He does not need to prove that he is a good goalkeeper. He needs to show that his current level at Udinese gives Nigeria something Nwabali cannot.

If he continues doing exactly that in Serie A, Chelle may have a selection decision made before the AFCON qualifiers begin next month.