Nwabali Is Better Than Okoye, Says Victor Ikpeba After Nigeria Win

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba believes Stanley Nwabali has done enough to establish himself as the Super Eagles' first choice goalkeeper, ahead of Maduka Okoye, following Nigeria's 2-1 win over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.

Speaking to SuperSports after the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Ikpeba said Nwabali's composure, leadership and ability to deliver in big moments give him the edge in the ongoing debate over Nigeria's number one spot. Nwabali did concede an early goal after Madagascar broke Nigeria's offside trap, but Ikpeba said his overall command of the game continues to win people over.

"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," Ikpeba said.

He also praised a key save Nwabali made later in the match, describing it as a moment that showed real character. "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," he said.

Ikpeba pointed to that stop as a turning point in the game, arguing it may well have saved Nigeria from a much worse result. "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," he said.