Ikpeba: Madagascar Save Seals Nwabali’s No.1 Claim

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba believes Stanley Nwabali has done enough to retain his place as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Maduka Okoye.

Speaking to SuperSport after Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, Ikpeba praised Nwabali’s composure and decisiveness in crucial moments.

The former African Player of the Year acknowledged the importance of competition for places but insisted Nwabali has consistently seized his opportunities with the national team.

‘Credit to Nwabali, he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team. In my opinion, he’s better than Maduka. People at home might disagree, but he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team,’” Ikpeba said.

Ikpeba particularly highlighted Nwabali’s save from a dangerous Madagascar attack, arguing that the goalkeeper prevented the Super Eagles from conceding a potentially decisive goal.

‘He showed that attribute again, the belief, the determination, ‘I’m going to stop the lad’,’ he added.

‘He prevented our embarrassment because at that moment, had it been 2-1, the match’s conclusion remains uncertain. The result might have ended 2-2 or we could have lost 2-1.’

Nwabali started ahead of Okoye against Madagascar, with the Udinese goalkeeper having only returned to the Super Eagles camp on Friday morning after receiving permission to attend his club’s third-kit presentation in Milan.

The competition between the two goalkeepers is expected to continue when Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L qualifier on Tuesday.