AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Victor Ikpeba backs Stanley Nwabali over Maduka Okoye as Nigeria’s No.1 after Madagascar win

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba believes Stanley Nwabali has strengthened his claim to remain the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Maduka Okoye.

Nwabali played a key role as Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Speaking to SuperSport after the match, Ikpeba credited the Chippa United goalkeeper for maintaining his composure when Nigeria came under pressure and said he has consistently delivered when given opportunities by the national team.

With competition for the goalkeeper’s position continuing, Ikpeba said Nwabali’s performances at international level have given him the edge over Okoye.

“Credit to Nwabali, he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team. In my opinion, he’s better than Maduka. People at home might disagree, but he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team,” the former Africa Player of the Year said.

Nwabali’s crucial intervention

Nwabali was tested early by Madagascar and responded with an important save that helped Nigeria avoid conceding at a critical stage.

Ikpeba singled out that intervention as evidence of the goalkeeper’s mentality, particularly his willingness to stand up to attackers in one-on-one situations.

The former Monaco forward argued that Nwabali’s determination prevented what could have been a costly moment for the Super Eagles as Madagascar looked to punish them.

“He showed that attribute again, the belief, the determination, ‘I’m going to stop the lad’. Yes, the Madagascar attacker should have done better if he had a technique like me in my days.”

The save proved particularly important in the context of a closely fought contest, with Nigeria eventually needing to come from behind before securing victory.

Ikpeba warns of Madagascar threat

Although Nigeria claimed all three points, Ikpeba suggested the Super Eagles could easily have faced a different outcome had Nwabali failed to make the crucial intervention.

Madagascar managed to create opportunities and put Nigeria under pressure at different stages, forcing the goalkeeper to remain alert as the hosts attempted to protect their lead after turning the game around.

Ikpeba believes Nwabali’s ability to respond in those moments is part of what makes him a reliable option for Nigeria.

“He prevented our embarrassment because at that moment, had it been 2-1, the match’s conclusion remains uncertain. The result might have concluded 2-2 or resulted in our defeat 2-1.”

Nwabali’s position under scrutiny

Nwabali has established himself as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s goalkeeping department, while Okoye remains another option competing for the position.

Ikpeba’s assessment adds to the debate over who should start between the two goalkeepers, with the former international making clear that his preference is based on Nwabali’s performances for the national team.

For Ikpeba, the goalkeeper’s ability to handle high-pressure moments has been decisive.

After surviving Madagascar’s challenge, Nigeria will now look to build on the victory as they continue their qualification campaign for the 2027 AFCON.