Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba has noted that the Super Eagles need two big goalkeepers in the team.
He praised the current number one, Stanley Nwabali but stressed the importance of having strong competition in the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping position.
Nwabali, who keeps for Chippa United in South Africa is Nigeria’s top choice in goal, having played in 13 out of the last 14 matches for the Super Eagles.
In recent years, players like Maduka Okoye from Udinese, Francis Uzoho from Omonia Nicosia, and Amas Obasogie from Singida Black Stars have all been backup options for Nwabali.
Nwabali is currently the best goalkeeper in Nigeria, but his position as the main goalkeeping option for the Super Eagles is in danger.
This is because England-based Arthur Okonkwo, has decided to play for his father’s country, Nigeria.
Ikpeba said that having some competition within the team is important for keeping things at a high level.
Ikpeba said on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football that what the team needs is a little bit of competition, which will make everyone work harder.
“When it comes to Nwabali, the Super Eagles team needs two really good goalkeepers. In the past, I remember we had Emmanuel Okala and Best Ogedegbe,” he said.
Ikpeba also thought about Nigeria’s proud history at the Africa Cup of Nations, saying the Super Eagles’ success on the continent should be acknowledged.
He said, “They performed really well, and it’s important to recognize Nigeria’s history at the Africa Cup of Nations — they’ve won it three times, reached the finals five times, and finished third nine times.
“This is a record that highlights how much influence the Super Eagles have during the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Nwabali kept four straight clean sheets at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, just like he did in the 2023 tournament, when Nigeria came in second place.
AFCON: Super Eagles need two top goalkeepers – Ikpeba
AFCON: Super Eagles need two top goalkeepers – Ikpeba
