'Mustapha is ahead of him' - Ex-Flying Eagles star questions Eric Chelle goalkeeper decision

Former Flying Eagles goalkeeper Kola Ige has criticized Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle for omitting Shooting Stars’ Mustapha Lawal from Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.  

Chelle recently unveiled a 39-man provisional list for the crucial qualifiers, including five goalkeepers.

However, only Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars was selected from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), despite his recent struggles in the domestic league.  

Meanwhile, Mustapha Lawal has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the NPFL this season, having saved over two penalties across league and FA Cup matches.

His exclusion has sparked debate, with Ige insisting that Lawal deserved a call-up ahead of Bankole.  

"I have worked with the two of them too. I have worked with Bankole too at Shooting Stars before he went to Remo," Ige told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"No disrespect to Bankole. He is a very good goalkeeper but the form between him and Mustapha, Mustapha is ahead of him."

Ige further pointed out that while Bankole has struggled for playing time recently, Lawal has been playing regularly and has shown impressive consistency.  

"Recently, Bankole is not playing but Mustapha is playing regularly. And if you're talking about height, Mustapha has a better height," he added.  

Highlighting Lawal’s strengths, Ige emphasized that the 3SC shot-stopper possesses all the necessary attributes to represent Nigeria at the international level.  

"I have been to the national team before so I know what it takes for a goalkeeper to be in the national team.

"Mustapha, if we're talking about his reflexes, agility, and goalkeeping attributes, which he has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers you can reckon with at the moment."  

Nigeria is currently fifth in Group C with just three points, four points behind group leaders Rwanda. 

With only six matches left, the Super Eagles must turn their form around quickly to avoid missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com