Fortune smiles at PSL star overlooked by Soweto giants

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali of PSL club Chippa United appears to have a clear path to becoming Nigeria’s starting goalkeeper for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar on Friday.

The Super Eagles, under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, began their training camp in Uyo on Monday. However, with the crucial opening match just days away, the squad is still awaiting the arrival of one key player: Maduka Okoye.

As of Wednesday, 23 of the 24 invited players had reported to camp and participated in the initial training sessions. Okoye’s continued absence could prove costly for his chances of securing the number one spot, a position he seemed to have locked down following impressive displays in friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in June.

His delay has put Nwabali in a prime position to reclaim the starting role he held during the 2025 AFCON.

Nwabali gains crucial preparation time

While Nwabali was one of the later arrivals on Tuesday, he was present for the team’s first full training session. This has given him valuable time to work with coach Chelle and the defensive unit, an advantage that cannot be understated.

With Okoye not expected to join the team until Thursday—just 24 hours before the Madagascar clash—Nwabali has had a significant head start. Chelle has had the opportunity to assess the Chippa United keeper’s form and integrate him into the team’s tactical plans, particularly concerning defensive organisation and set-pieces.

Adding to the situation, Okoye’s recent activities have drawn public attention. He was seen at Milan Fashion Week on Tuesday night, with videos circulating online showing him alongside American rapper Cardi B. While it was later clarified that his presence was required for his club Udinese’s third-kit launch, the timing has been viewed unfavourably by some fans.

Chelle’s familiarity with PSL goalkeeper

Coach Chelle may not need to deliberate long on his goalkeeping choice, given his established trust in Nwabali. The French-Malian manager previously relied on the 30-year-old as his first-choice keeper during Nigeria’s successful 2025 AFCON campaign.

Nwabali was a standout performer as the Super Eagles secured a bronze medal, memorably saving two penalties in the third-place playoff victory against Egypt. His return to the squad offers Chelle a chance to revert to a familiar and reliable option, which can be crucial when implementing new strategies.

This existing relationship and Nwabali’s proven track record under Chelle provide a strong case for his selection. Should he start against Madagascar and deliver a solid performance, it could be challenging for Okoye to win back the coveted number one jersey in the near future.

It would mark a major turning point for Nwabali, who has previously been linked to both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, before he took a break from football last season only to return ahead of this season and rejoin Chippa.