Ex-Super Eagles star backs Maduka Okoye to replace Nwabali as Nigeria’s number one

Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has backed Maduka Okoye to take over Nigeria’s goalkeeping spot from Stanley Nwabali, Afrik Foot reports.

Stanley Nwabali wasn’t called up to the Super Eagles squad for the March International break when they played against Iran and Jordan.

The Udinese goalkeeper was in goal for the clash against Iran, but an injury ruled him out of the clash against Jordan. In the 2-2 draw against Jordan, Francis Uzoho started in goal before he pulled his thigh, and Adebayo Adeleye came on to replace him.

Ekpo tips Maduka Okoye to claim Super Eagles starting spot

Ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup tournament, Ekpo revealed Stanley Nwabali’s chances of reclaiming his spot as Super Eagles number would be limited if a Nigerian goalie steps up.

Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho are most likely to be Chelle’s selected goalies for the tournament in London and for the June friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

The AFCON 1992 bronze medallist believes Nwabali is still a top goalkeeper, but being without a club for the past five months has not made a good case for him to continue in Eric Chelle’s setup.

“There is no doubt that Nwabali is a talented goalkeeper, but his absence from the Super Eagles as a result of his inactivity with club football really makes me feel worried,” Friday Ekpo said in an interview with Complete Sports.

“To be fair, it will be difficult for him to walk back into the team and regain the number one spot, going by the performance of Maduka Okoye at Udinese.

“Okoye has gradually taken his game to another height, and his confidence in front of goal makes me feel Nwabali has a lot to do to take his place back,” the 56-year-old concluded.

Maduka Okoye was lauded by Udinese’s coach Kosta Runjaic after he kept his 10th Serie A clean sheet of the season.