Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba spoke highly of Stanley Nwabali as he emphasised the need for quality competition in the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department.

Chippa United shot-stopper Nwabali is Nigeria's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, having started 13 of the last 14 matches contested by the Super Eagles.

The likes of Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, Omonia Nicosia’s Francis Uzoho and Singida Black Stars’ Amas Obasogie have served as back-up to Nwabali in recent years.

Although Nwabali currently sits at the top of the pecking order among Nigeria’s goalkeepers, his place as the Super Eagles’ number one is under threat, with Arsenal youth product Arthur Okonkwo recently switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

Ikpeba stressed that internal rivalry is essential to maintaining high standards, citing former internationals Emmanuel Okala and Best Ogedengbe as examples of how healthy competition previously strengthened Nigeria's senior national team. 

"What we need in this team is a little bit of competition, which will put everybody on their toes,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com. 

"Talking about Nwabali, we need two great goalkeepers for the Super Eagles team. In the past, I remember we used to have Emmanuel Okala and Best Ogedegbe."

Ikpeba also reflected on Nigeria's proud history at the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the Super Eagles’ achievements on the continent deserve recognition.

"They did well, and the history of Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations should be acknowledged — three-time winners, five-time finalists, and nine-time third-place finishers.

"This is a record; it shows the impact of the Super Eagles when it comes to the Africa Cup of Nations."