Okoye injury return leaves Nigeria goalkeeper decision in balance

Stanley Nwabali’s hopes of regaining his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper have been complicated by the return to full training of Maduka Okoye, who is expected to be fit for the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in September.

Nwabali could have been the leading contender to start during the next international break after returning to Chippa United and producing a series of sharp performances. However, Okoye’s recovery from a shoulder injury means Nigeria manager Eric Chelle faces a difficult choice between the two goalkeepers.

Nwabali was Nigeria’s undisputed number one for two years before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. The 30-year-old left Chippa United in February and stepped away from football, only returning to action last month.

His absence gave Udinese goalkeeper Okoye the opportunity to establish himself in the national team. The 25-year-old impressed in Nigeria’s matches against Portugal and Poland in June, performances which led to suggestions that he had become Chelle’s preferred option in goal.

Nwabali’s return to Chippa United appeared to reopen the competition for the position. It was also revealed that he had remained in contact with Chelle during his time away from the game because of personal health concerns.

Since returning, Nwabali has looked sharp for Chippa United and appeared to be positioning himself for a possible recall. At the same time, Okoye suffered a shoulder injury during a pre-season training session three weeks ago.

The initial concern was that the Udinese goalkeeper could be unavailable for several months. That would have represented a significant setback for his club and might also have allowed Nwabali to reclaim the Super Eagles’ number-one shirt.

However, a fresh update from Tutto Udinese says Okoye has now resumed full training. He could be involved when Udinese play Padova in the Coppa Italia on Saturday, although the club is taking a cautious approach to avoid a recurrence of the injury.

Okoye is instead expected to make his competitive return on 22 August, when Udinese begin their Serie A campaign against Como.

That timeline would leave him fit and available when Nigeria return to international action in September for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His recovery therefore adds another layer of uncertainty to Chelle’s selection plans.

Okoye’s performances against Portugal and Poland have strengthened his case to remain in goal, while Nwabali’s return and current form give the coach an alternative with considerable international experience.

The decision could ultimately come down to whether Chelle maintains his previous trust in Nwabali or rewards Okoye for his impressive displays in Nigeria’s most recent matches. For now, the Udinese goalkeeper’s progress means Nwabali may have to settle for a place on the bench despite returning to form at club level.