'He's calm and calculative' - Ex-Flying Eagles GK chooses who is better between Nwabali and Okoye 

Former Flying Eagles goalkeeper Kola Ige has given his perspective on who should be Nigeria's number one goalkeeper between Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali. 

This debate comes after both goalkeepers have shown impressive performances in their respective careers.

Stanley Nwabali has been the preferred choice for the Super Eagles of Nigeria since his stellar performance at the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.

The Chippa United goalkeeper recorded four clean sheets during the tournament and was pivotal in the penalty shootout victory against South Africa in the semifinals.

Conversely, Maduka Okoye, who has made significant strides with Udinese in Italy, returned to the national team during the last international break against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

However, the 24-year-old did not get any playing time as Nwabili was favored by the then Super Eagles coach, Finidi George. Nigeria ended those matches with a draw against South Africa and a loss to the Benin Republic in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

In discussing the best goalkeeper for the national team, Ige praised both Okoye and Nwabali, acknowledging their strengths and contributions to Nigerian football. 

He emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the team's coach.

"Nwabili and Maduka are great goalkeepers. Both of them are good goalkeepers. They are fantastic and have proven themselves in one way or another. Especially Nwabili, who showed at the last Nations Cup that he can be relied upon," Ige told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"The little Okoye has done shows he is a very good goalkeeper. He is calm and calculative. So, it is left to the coach to decide. 

"These decisions are down to trust when you have two great goalkeepers. It depends on the coach to trust somebody."

Maduka Okoye's return to the national team in June 2024 marked the end of nearly a year away from the squad. 

This absence was due to struggles with club form following his move to Watford from Sparta Rotterdam.

Adeyemi Adewale 

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