There might just be another fishbone in the gullet for Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, ahead of the must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month.
With the team struggling in Group C, a goalkeeping dilemma has emerged at the worst possible time, raising concerns about Nigeria’s chances of reaching the global showpiece.
Stanley Nwabali was one of Nigeria’s breakout stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but the Chippa United goalkeeper has endured a difficult spell, likely due in some part to mental health concerns
Having lost both parents in quick succession, his father in November 2024 and his mother in January 2025, the 28-year-old has struggled to maintain his high standards.
In Chippa United’s recent 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy in the South African Premier Division, Nwabali’s costly error handed the opposition their winning goal. Attempting a quick throw after an initial save, he gifted possession to Damir Sosovic, who punished the mistake.
Just days later, he was again at fault as Kaizer Chiefs thrashed Chippa 3-0 in the Nedbank Cup, his blunder leading to a penalty that sealed the game.
With the Super Eagles in dire need of a reliable shot-stopper for the upcoming qualifiers, doubts are creeping in about Nwabali’s form and mental state heading into two must-win fixtures.
Okoye: Legal troubles and injury woes
While Nwabali struggles on the pitch, his closest competition for the No. 1 spot, Maduka Okoye, is dealing with a different crisis.
The Udinese goalkeeper is currently under investigation for alleged involvement in a betting scandal during a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.
If found guilty, Okoye could face a suspension of up to four years, potentially derailing his career. FIFA and UEFA maintain strict policies on betting-related offenses, and previous cases have seen players handed lengthy bans.
Even without the investigation, Okoye’s availability for the Super Eagles remains in doubt due to injury. He has been sidelined since December but is expected to return in early March. Whether he will be match-fit or even available for selection remains to be seen.
Uzoho & Adeleye: Out of form, out of favour
Francis Uzoho was once seen as Nigeria’s long-term solution in goal, but a series of high-profile errors have seen his stock plummet. His blunder against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup playoff effectively denied Nigeria a place at the last Mundial, and his mistake against Saudi Arabia in a friendly last year further eroded confidence in his abilities.
He has played just twice for Omonia Nicosia in 2024, making it highly unlikely that Eric Chelle would consider recalling him for the World Cup qualifiers.
Adebayo Adeleye, who plies his trade with Enosis Neon Paralimniou in Cyprus, has been more active, featuring in 20 league games this season. However, despite his regular game time, he has not played for Nigeria since his debut against Sierra Leone in 2023.
Who steps up for the Super Eagles?
Nigeria’s goalkeeping situation has reached crisis levels.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup hopes were derailed by a goalkeeping howler against Ghana; with the Super Eagles' World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, history cannot afford to repeat itself.
Among the potential alternatives, Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo has emerged as a candidate. The 23-year-old has been in fine form in England’s League One, using his towering 1.98m frame to command his area effectively. However, he is yet to earn a Super Eagles cap and might be considered too inexperienced for such crucial fixtures.
Another option is Shooting Stars’ Mustapha Lawal, one of the top goalkeepers in the NPFL this season. While his domestic form is promising, the lack of international experience at this level could work against him.
Among Nigeria’s current goalkeepers, Adeleye appears the most reliable in terms of consistency. The 24-year-old has kept six clean sheets this season and boasts sharp reflexes. If Nwabali’s struggles continue, Adeleye could get a chance in the upcoming qualifiers.
Chelle's ultimate decision could come to define the Super Eagles' road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
