Stanley Nwabali

Former Nigeria star Victor Ikpeba insists Stanley Nwabali remains the Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper despite recent form concerns and Maduka Okoye’s recall for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs in Morocco.

On Monday Night Football, Ikpeba said: “Maduka Okoye is back, but Nwabali remains the Super Eagles No 1.” He praised Victor Osimhen’s fantastic form, Calvin Bassey’s solidity, and flashes from Jerome Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare. “We have the fire power to beat Gabon,” he added.

Nigeria faces Gabon on Thursday, November 13, at 5pm WAT in Rabat. A win leads to a final against Cameroon or DR Congo on November 16 for a World Cup spot. “Two hundred million Nigerians want the boys to do the business,” Ikpeba declared.