Nwabali clean sheet strengthens Nigeria’s goalkeeper debate ahead of Tanzania ties

Stanley Nwabali’s latest clean sheet has added weight to the debate over Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper before the Super Eagles’ two-match Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Tanzania.

The 30-year-old kept a clean sheet as Chippa United won 2-0 away at Stellenbosch, making six saves in the process. His form comes as fellow Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye continues to experience a difficult spell with Udinese, despite making an important penalty save in his most recent appearance.

Coach Eric Chelle has submitted his squad list to the Nigeria Football Federation, with the NFF expected to publish the selection this week, according to Afrik-Foot on 3 November.

Nigeria will host Tanzania in Uyo on Friday 13 November before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture four days later. The matches are part of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nwabali leads competitive-game selection

Afrik-Foot reports that Nwabali is Chelle’s preferred goalkeeper for competitive matches. He started Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo in September and has now followed that display with another strong performance for his club.

Okoye, meanwhile, saved an Adrian Bernabe penalty during Udinese’s goalless draw at Parma, a match covered in his own words after the final whistle. However, Udinese subsequently conceded five goals against AC Milan on 25 October and another five against Roma on 31 October, according to Afrik-Foot.

The report expects Arthur Okonkwo of Charlton Athletic to be included as the third goalkeeper. It also identifies Victor Osimhen, Dele-Bashiru and Nnadi among the players expected to return to the squad.

Selection could shape qualifying hierarchy

Nigeria are competing in Group L, where the outcome of each match could prove significant. Nwabali’s regular playing time and recent run of clean-sheet form offer continuity heading into the Tanzania fixtures.

Okoye operates at a higher level in Serie A and has demonstrated his ability to influence a match, as shown by his penalty save at Parma. But if Udinese’s heavy defeats continue, Chelle may have to balance the standard of opposition each goalkeeper faces against the importance of consistent, competitive match action.

The goalkeeper chosen to start in Uyo is likely to offer an indication of the pecking order for the remainder of the qualifying campaign. The squad announcement expected this week should clarify which players are competing for the position.