Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has shared his assessment of the Super Eagles’ ongoing goalkeeping debate in the wake of the team’s 2–1 victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.
While reflecting on the team’s performance at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Ikpeba turned his attention to the battle for the number one jersey, boldly asserting that Stanley Nwabali has done enough to cement his status ahead of Maduka Okoye.
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In a chat with SuperSports, Ikpeba pointed out that Nwabali’s composure, leadership at the back, and clutch displays in major fixtures give him a definitive edge.
Although the Chippa United goalkeeper conceded an early goal when Madagascar breached the offside trap, his overall command and game management continue to win over critics.
The former forward noted that while squad depth is crucial, Nwabali has consistently seized his opportunities on the international stage to distance himself in the pecking order.
“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.
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“He showed that attribute again, the belief, the determination, ‘I’m going to stop the lad’. Yes, the Madagascar attacker should have done better if he had a technique like me in my days.
“He demonstrated that characteristic once more, the assurance, the resolve, ‘I shall prevent the player’. Certainly, the Madagascar forward ought to have performed more effectively had he possessed technical proficiency comparable to my capabilities during my career.
“He prevented our embarrassment because at that moment, had it been 2-1, the match’s conclusion remains uncertain. The result might have concluded 2-2 or resulted in our defeat 2-1.”
