AFCON 2023: Jay-Jay Okocha not convinced by Stanley Nwabali’s goalkeeping heroic

Nigeria’s goalkeeping crisis has been well-publicised for many years and Okocha was among other football legends present inside the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abidjan to see Nigeria claim their first-ever win on Ivorian soil.

The West Africans’ win against Cote d’Ivoire sealed their first win at this year’s continental showpiece as they sit second place in Group A, behind Equatorial Guinea, who lead the group on goal difference.

The former PSG man was asked if the Super Eagles have finally solved their goalkeeping problem in a video by Nigerian journalist Calista Enejele.

While many applaud Nwabali’s confidence and calmness in between the sticks contributing to the hard-earned victory, Okocha believes that Nwabali was not tested enough by the opponents, although showed some good signs.

The 50-year-old icon is not convinced the Super Eagles have solved their goalkeeping problems despite Stanley Nwabali’s performance against Ivory Coast.

“Well, I think they all played well, he played well as well,” he said.

“He played his role, (but) he wasn’t really tested today because the team defended very well. He showed good signs of a good goalkeeper.”

The former NPFL star made three crucial saves to secure a clean sheet and denied the Elephants goal-scoring chances, as Nigeria revived its AFCON hopes following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the hosts Cote d’Ivoire.