Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has backed Stanley Nwabali to remain the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Maduka Okoye.
Ikpeba made the comments after Nwabali played a key role in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.
The Chippa United goalkeeper produced an important save in the second half to deny Madagascar an opportunity to equalise, with Ikpeba saying the intervention could have changed the outcome of the match.
“Credit to Nwabali, he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team. In my opinion, he’s better than Maduka,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport.
“People at home might disagree, but he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team.”
The former Monaco forward also praised Nwabali’s determination during the crucial moment, saying the save helped Nigeria avoid conceding a second goal.
“If it was 2-1, you don’t know what would have been the outcome of this game. The score might have ended 2-2 or we lose 2-1,” he added.
Okoye, who plays for Italian club Udinese, has also been part of Nigeria’s goalkeeping options and started two international friendlies in June.
However, Nwabali’s latest performance has reignited the debate over who should occupy the Super Eagles’ number-one position as Nigeria continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON.
Nwabali’s appearance against Madagascar was his first for Nigeria since he kept four consecutive clean sheets at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. (AllNigeriaSoccer)
