Ikpeba backs Nwabali to remain Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba says Stanley Nwabali has established himself as the Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper ahead of Maduka Okoye.

Ikpeba was speaking after Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The former forward believes Nwabali’s composure, leadership and ability to produce decisive saves in important matches have given him a clear advantage in the competition for the goalkeeper’s position.

Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United, was beaten early in the match after Madagascar broke through Nigeria’s offside trap. However, Ikpeba said the goalkeeper’s overall performance and control of the game outweighed that mistake.

“Credit to Nwabali, he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team. In my opinion, he’s better than Maduka,” Ikpeba told SuperSports.

“People at home might disagree, but he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team.”

Ikpeba also praised Nwabali for keeping Nigeria ahead when he denied a Madagascar attacker in a one-on-one situation.

“He showed that attribute again, the belief, the determination, ‘I’m going to stop the lad’,” he said.

“Yes, the Madagascar attacker should have done better if he had a technique like me in my days.”

The former Nigeria striker said the save was particularly important because Madagascar could have changed the outcome of the match had they scored at that stage.

“He prevented our embarrassment because at that moment, had it been 2-1, the match’s conclusion remains uncertain,” Ikpeba added.

“The result might have concluded 2-2 or resulted in our defeat 2-1.”

Although he acknowledged the importance of maintaining depth within the squad, Ikpeba said Nwabali had repeatedly taken his chances at international level and moved ahead of Okoye in the pecking order.

Nwabali’s latest display came after he helped Nigeria qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where his performances further increased his profile as the team’s leading goalkeeper.

Ikpeba’s assessment follows a match in which Nigeria had to withstand pressure from Madagascar after taking the lead. The Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The victory also gave Nigeria an early advantage in their qualifying campaign, while Nwabali’s performance has added to the ongoing discussion over who should occupy the position for the national team.