Maduka Okoye has expressed his readiness to challenge Stanley Nwabali for the starting goalkeeper role with Nigeria, as the Super Eagles gear up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Following a prolonged absence from the national team, Okoye, now a star with Udinese, returned to the fold in June after a resurgence in form. Despite this, he faces stiff competition from Nwabali, who currently holds the No.1 spot.
The Chippa United captain’s impressive performances at the 2024 AFCON with Nigeria have made it difficult for Okoye to reclaim his position.
Fellow contender Amas Obasogie, newly signed by Fasil Ketema FC, has also found it hard to break into the squad.
Maduka Okoye praises competition in Super Eagles goalkeeper ranks
In an interview with Victor Modo, Okoye acknowledged the competition and praised Nwabali’s quality. “We have top goalkeepers,” he said.
“Stanley proved it in the AFCON, and it’s great to train together with him and the other goalkeepers under a very good goalkeeping coach.”
Okoye was the last of Nigeria’s goalkeepers to report to camp, arriving ahead of their upcoming qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda. Despite a change in the technical team, led by coach Austin Eguavoen, it remains unlikely Nwabali will lose his starting role in the crucial games ahead.
As the qualifiers approach, Okoye’s battle for a startIng berth will be one of the key storylines for Nigeria.
