'There's no pressure' - Nwabali insists ahead of possible home debut for Super Eagles v Bafana Bafana 

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has underlined that he's not under any pressure whatsoever ahead of a potential home debut for the Super Eagles when they take on South Africa's Bafana Bafana in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the 
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The former Enyimba shot-stopper has earned eleven international caps for the Super Eagles, with the games played in the United States, United Arab Emirates, Ivory Coast and Morocco. 

Given that Udinese glovesman Maduka Okoye has yet to report for international duty, everything is pointing to the fact that Nwabali will get the nod from Finidi George to start in goal against South Africa on Friday. 

The 27-year-old saw his stock rise on the back of his impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he set  a new record for the most minutes without a conceding a goal by a Nigerian goalkeeper at the AFCON. 

In an interview with the Super Eagles media team in Uyo, Nwabali said: "There is no pressure, we just take one (game) at a time. We try to keep ourselves together and try to win this game move onto the next game against Benin in Ivory Coast.

"Talking about putting us under pressure, definitely this is another game we are going to play to qualify for the World Cup so there is not much pressure in the camp because as you can see the players are training very hard."

Nwabali has played down the rivalry between himself and Maduka Okoye and appreciated the former Bayer Leverkusen youth teamer. 

"I'm not under pressure. He's a very good goalkeeper to be honest and he's also my brother despite, maybe, this is my first time working with him. It's nice playing for your country.

"Talking about him being in the team, it's something that is going to motivate everyone, the two goalkeepers, because if you have a team where the two goalkeepers are good, you don't have any problem. Ever since this season, he has been doing well for his club."

Nigeria have won six matches, drawn one and lost four while conceding thirteen goals with Nwabali in between the sticks.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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