Super Eagles: Do the numbers support Okoye as AFCON 2025 replacement for stricken Nwabali?

Stanley Nwabali’s AFCON 2025 chances have taken a serious hit, with Chippa United confirming the Super Eagles goalkeeper is carrying ankle and hand injuries that may rule him out of the tournament. His club coach, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, disclosed that the 29-year-old aggravated both problems during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff games in Morocco and now requires further medical attention.

Vilakazi said Nwabali has been managing the hand issue for months but worsened it during the last international window. The ankle damage adds a second concern, and the Chippa coach admitted he is unsure the goalkeeper can recover in time, even though Nwabali remains optimistic.

The uncertainty leaves Eric Chelle facing a major problem as he works toward naming his final list for Morocco. The former Lobi Stars man has not played since November 16 2025 and was central to the Super Eagles run to the AFCON final early last year. His absence would force a significant reshuffle in a position that has not been fully settled since Vincent Enyeama retired.

Maduka Okoye’s numbers & the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping choice

Maduka Okoye now moves into the frame as the likely starter if Nwabali fails to make it.

The Udinese goalkeeper has played eight matches in Serie A this season, conceding 1.6 goals per game, with a 63% save rate and two clean sheets. He has also saved one of the five penalties he has faced. These are steady numbers which, though not elite, show a goalkeeper who is capable at a high level.

The alternatives are thin. Amas Obasogie has been inconsistent in Tanzania, while Adebayo Adeleye and Francis Uzoho have barely played for their clubs. Ebenezer Harcourt is building minutes with Nigeria’s U20s and Sporting Lagos but remains inexperienced. By comparison, Okoye is the only one in regular top-flight action.

His challenge is psychological as much as technical. The last time he appeared at the AFCON, in 2022, he misjudged a long-range effort against Tunisia that contributed to Nigeria’s exit. The backlash pushed him into a long break from the national team, and by the time he returned, Nwabali had become the established No.1.

Since then, Okoye has played only two matches for the Super Eagles, the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo and the friendly with Russia in June. Both were controlled outings, but neither came under true tournament-level pressure.

The reality, however, is that if Chelle chooses to lean on the numbers, Okoye is the most prepared goalkeeper available.