National Teams
Stanley Nwabali plays down rivalry with Maduka Okoye in Nigeria squad
By Wale Mustapha
Chippa United’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has dismissed any notion of rivalry between himself and Maduka Okoye within the Nigeria Super Eagles squad.
Nwabali shone as the first-choice goalkeeper during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he kept four clean sheets throughout the tournament.
With Okoye’s recent recall to the national team by head coach Finidi George following an impressive debut season at Serie A club Udinese, there is increased competition in the goalkeeping department.
However, Nwabali expressed his happiness over Okoye’s return and emphasized that there is no rivalry between them.
“There’s no debate. If Maduka can give what he’s giving Udinese to the country, then he should play,” Nwabali said in an interview with Lagos Talks.
“It’s not like a club side, where you see a new signing and you talk about fighting. No. This is the country we are playing for; we are representing this green white green, and we want to see everyone happy.”
The duo’s presence is expected to strengthen the Super Eagles as they prepare for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic next month.
Whether it will be Nwabali or Okoye manning the post, both players aim to contribute to the team’s success and uphold the pride of representing Nigeria.
