Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali arrives at the Tanzania double-header with a clean sheet in his latest game, while compatriot Maduka Okoye has a penalty save but a rough run at Udinese.
Coach Eric Chelle has submitted his squad list to the Nigeria Football Federation, and the NFF is expected to announce it this week, according to Afrik-Foot on 3 November. Nigeria host Tanzania in Uyo on Friday 13 November, then travel for the return leg four days later in Dar es Salaam, in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Afrik-Foot reports that Nwabali, 30, is Chelle's number one for competitive games. The Chippa United goalkeeper started the 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo in September, and in his latest match he made six saves in a 2-0 away win at Stellenbosch.
Okoye's penalty save, Udinese's heavy defeats
Okoye saved an Adrian Bernabé penalty in Udinese's goalless draw at Parma, which we covered in his own words after the game. His club then conceded five goals to AC Milan on 25 October and five to Roma on 31 October, per Afrik-Foot.
The same report expects Arthur Okonkwo of Charlton Athletic to make the squad as the third goalkeeper.
Highly-rated by coach Chelle, Arthur Okonkwo will likely be the third goalkeeper in Chelle's submitted squad list.
That is the verdict of Afrik-Foot, which also lists Osimhen, Dele-Bashiru and Nnadi as expected returnees.
Analysis: why the goalkeeper pick matters in Uyo
Nigeria sit in a Group L race where every point counts, and we have already argued that the Tanzania games set up the group. A goalkeeper who is playing every week and keeping clean sheets offers rhythm, which is the case for Nwabali.
Okoye plays at a higher level in Serie A and has shown he can change a game with a penalty save. If Udinese's heavy defeats continue, Chelle may weigh match sharpness against the standard of opposition each man faces.
Whoever starts in Uyo, the selection will be read as a signal about the pecking order for the rest of the qualifying campaign. The squad announcement this week should settle who is in the mix.
Post a Comment