Chippa United and Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is excited to play in front of his home supporters when the Super Eagles face Bafana Bafana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Nwabali was a surprise first choice for Nigeria at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Chilli Boyz shot-stopper excelled, helping the Super Eagles reach the final, where they narrowly lost to hosts Ivory Coast.
Following the departure of head coach Jose Peseiro, Super Eagles legend Finidi George has taken over. It remains to be seen if George will start Nwabali against Bafana on Friday.
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Nwabali faces stiff competition from Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, who was previously the Super Eagles’ number one and has had a strong second half of the season in Italy’s Serie A.
“The World Cup qualifiers are here, and we must focus entirely on them. These games give us another motivation to play for our nation. I’m excited to have the chance to play in front of our fans. I am looking forward to it if I get the opportunity,” Nwabali told NFF TV, as reported by Nigeria’s The Nation newspaper.
“There is no pressure. We will take each game one at a time. We just have to focus and aim for a win against South Africa, and then approach the next game with Benin Republic in the same way,” he said. “Playing at the World Cup will definitely boost my CV.
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“I am not under pressure because of the presence of Maduka Okoye and Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba’s Olorunleke is the other goalkeeper in the Super Eagles squad). I have watched both goalkeepers. They are good, and we are here to help our nation. This is my first time working with Maduka Okoye.”
Earlier this week, Nwabali said he wouldn’t mind if Okoye replaces him against Bafana.
“There’s no debate. If Maduka can perform for the country as he does for Udinese, then he should play,” Nwabali told Lagos Talks, as reported by Nigeria’s Punch Newspaper.
“This isn’t like a club side, where you talk about fighting for your spot. This is our country we are playing for, representing the green and white, and we want to make everyone happy.”
