Madagascar Heroics Place Nwabali Ahead of Okonkwo, Okoye in Eagles Keeper Battle

Stanley Nwabali impressed in Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar, making a crucial second-half save that helped keep the Super Eagles in the contest.

With Madagascar leading after Ehsan Khari’s early goal, the Chippa United goalkeeper denied captain Rayan Raveloson in a one-on-one situation shortly after the restart.

Nigeria later completed the comeback through George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor to secure three points in Uyo.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle praised Nwabali’s intervention, while former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba described him as the national team’s number one goalkeeper ahead of Maduka Okoye.

Okoye, who plays for Italian club Udinese, arrived in Nigeria only hours before the match after missing the team’s first training sessions. Chelle had explained that Udinese requested permission for the goalkeeper to remain in Italy for club-related activities.

Because Okoye had not trained with the team, he was not included in the matchday squad against Madagascar.

Arthur Okonkwo served as Nwabali’s back-up. The 24-year-old entered camp with confidence after keeping clean sheets in both of his first two appearances for Nigeria during the Unity Cup.

The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper has said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of former Super Eagles number one Vincent Enyeama, whom he regards as an inspiration.

All three goalkeepers remain available for Nigeria’s second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday.

Chelle must now decide whether to retain Nwabali, recall Okoye or give Okonkwo an opportunity after the latter’s encouraging start to international football.