The Portuguese tactician is on the lookout for goalkeeping options ahead of Nigeria’s participation at the next edition of the AFCON
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali did his Super Eagles hopes a world of good as he impressed in Chippa United’s fine 2-0 win over Golden Arrows in their Premier Soccer League action on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Among the spectators to watch the encounter that unfolded at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha was Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro.
Peseiro had travelled to South Africa to run the rule on Nwabali after pressure mounted on the former FC Porto manager to find a better alternative to Nigeria’s number-one shot-stopper Francis Uzoho ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Having kept six clean sheets and conceded only ten goals in 12 league games for United, Nwabali had jumped to the forefront of the waiting list of goalkeepers under Peseiro’s consideration.
Nwabali did not disappoint – his only blight being a 73rd-minute yellow card – as he made three saves to help Chippa United claim a 2-0 win and end a run of six games without a victory.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper is, however, far from being guaranteed the Super Eagles’ first-choice gloves.
Israel-based Adebayo Adeleye and veteran Daniel Akpeyi have not given up hopes of becoming Nigeria’s number one at the AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Jonathan Rasheed, who plays for Swedish club Värnamo and is eligible to play for Sweden, Norway, and Nigeria, has also voiced his desire to represent the three-time African champions.
However, Peseiro, who has shown no trust in goalkeepers from the domestic league, will have the final say on who handles the post for the Super Eagles at the AFCON.
The Portuguese coach has been tasked with guiding Nigeria to the semifinal stage of the continental championship that kicks off in January.
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