Sports
2023 AFCON Sensation, Nwabali Unfazed By Okoye’s Recall To Super Eagles
- Stanley Nwabali welcomes Maduka Okoye’s return to the Super Eagles for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
- Okoye’s return raises questions about the starting goalkeeper, but Nwabali focuses on the team’s success.
- He insists he is not concerned about losing his position.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper, says he has no issue with the return of Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye to the national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Editor’s Pick
- Democracy, Governance And Credible Elections (2)
- 6 Essential Tips To Boost Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency In Today’s Economy
- Opinion!!! The Dark Side of More
The Eagles are set to host Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on June 7.
This however, will be followed by a trip to Ivory Coast to face the Squirrels three days later.
In preparation for the games, head coach Finidi George has invited 23 Eagles stars, including the Udinese player, who is part of a three-man goalkeeping shortlist.
This marks the 24-year-old’s first call-up since October last year.
When he was invited for the international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Okoye’s return to the Eagles comes on the heels of a stellar season with Udinese.
Stanley Nwabali with a penalty save at 2023 AFCON
Where his outstanding performances in goal played a pivotal role in securing the club’s Serie A status.
Finidi’s decision to invite the former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper has sparked intriguing questions about who will guard the post when Nigeria faces South Africa in the first game.
However, Nwabali has expressed that he isn’t concerned about losing his position as the number one goalkeeper.
Instead he is focused on the team’s best interests.
“There’s no debate. If Maduka can give what he’s giving Udinese to the country, then he should play,” Nwabali told Lagos Talks.
“It’s not like a club side, where you see a new signing and you talk about fighting, No.
“This is country we are playing for, we are representing this green white green, and we want to see everyone happy.
Nwabali’s status has soared over the past six months.
Former Eagles coach Jose Peseiro unexpectedly summoned him for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Further Reading
- Okoye Describes Super Eagles’ Recall As Great Honour
- Super Eagles Opens Camp On Monday For Crucial W’Cup Qualifiers
- Big Blow! Chukwueze Remains A Doubt For Crucial W’Cup Qualifiers
The former Enugu Rangers player seized the opportunity, emerging as one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the tournament.
He kept four clean sheets and made two penalty saves, contributing significantly to their second-place finish.
Click here to watch our video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
