Super Eagles vs Tanzania: 3 goalkeepers expected in Chelle’s squad

Eric Chelle has submitted his Super Eagles squad list to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

The NFF is expected to announce the squad this week, with Victor Osimhen, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Tochukwu Nnadi among the players expected to return.

Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo are also expected to feature as Chelle looks to have reliable hands in goal.

Nigeria need a response after losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau earlier in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles will host Tanzania in Uyo on November 13 before travelling for the return leg on November 17.

Here is a look at the top three goalkeepers ahead of the squad announcement.

Likely Super Eagles goalkeepers for Tanzania

Maduka Okoye: Difficult spell at Udinese

Okoye has had a mixed run of form with Udinese in Italy’s Serie A, producing some fine saves despite his team’s defensive problems.

Only last week, he saved an Adrian Bernabé penalty to help Udinese secure a goalless draw away to Parma.

However, Udinese conceded five goals against AC Milan on October 25 and another five against Roma on October 31. Okoye made several saves in both games but could not prevent the heavy defeats.

Udinese have moved to halt the club’s poor run of results by changing managers this week, replacing Kosta Runjaic with Paolo Zanetti.

Despite the Serie A club’s struggles, Okoye’s performances could earn him a place in Chelle’s squad for the Tanzania matches.

Stanley Nwabali: Favourite to keep his place

Despite a mixed year during which he was without a club for several months, Nwabali remains Chelle’s number-one goalkeeper for competitive fixtures.

The Chippa United goalkeeper started ahead of Okoye and Okonkwo in the 2-1 win over Madagascar and made a crucial second-half save that earned praise from Chelle. A few days later, though, Nwabali looked below par as the Super Eagles stumbled to a historic defeat in Bissau.

His form has been equally patchy at Chippa United where he has helped the club win only one of their three most recent matches.

Nwabali’s most recent Premier Soccer League performance, however, deserves applause as he made six saves and kept a clean sheet in his side’s 2-0 away win at Stellenbosch.

The 30-year-old’s international experience, command of his penalty area and ability to organise the defence make it difficult for the other goalkeepers in the Super Eagles to knock him off the top perch at the moment.

Arthur Okonkwo: Fighting for a place

Highly-rated by coach Chelle, Arthur Okonkwo will likely be the third goalkeeper in Chelle’s submitted squad list.

The former Arsenal academy goalkeeper moved from Wrexham to Charlton Athletic in the summer, where he is working to establish himself under manager Nathan Jones.

He was Nwabali’s backup during Nigeria’s October international window and should retain his place in the squad for the Tanzania fixtures.

Although he faces competition from two more experienced internationals, Okonkwo’s shot-stopping ability and progress in England make him a useful option for the Super Eagles.