I’m not pressured by Okoye’s return to Super Eagles, says Nwabali

Super Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali says he’s not pressured by the return of Maduka Okoye to the camp.

The Eagles goalkeeping department was in disarray before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where Nwabali, after being evaluated by Jose Peseiro, seized the opportunity to stand out as one of Nigeria’s best performers in the tournament.

Although the 27-year-old had a brilliant tournament, it can also be said that he benefited from Okoye’s absence.

The Udinese shot-stopper according to multiple reports had asked to be excused from Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 squad.

“I’m not under pressure. Maduka is a very good goalkeeper, to be honest. This will be my first time working with him,” Nwabali told NFF Media.

“His presence is going to motivate everyone to do well. Having him around will bring out the best in all of us. It is good when we have quality goalkeepers in the team.

“He has really done well at his club this season which is good for the team.”

Now back in Finidi George’s roster for the must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic, Nwabali says Okoye’s presence is a motivator, rather than pressure.

Okoye had 21 appearances for Udinese, as he played an integral role in the Italian side’s relegation survival in the just concluded 2023/24 Serie A season. The 24-year-old recorded 65 saves from 90 shots faced, with an overall 72 per cent save ratio, per FootyStats.

The ex-Watford goalkeeper last featured for Nigeria on January 23, 2022, when the three-time African champions lost 1-0 to Tunisia in the AFCON 2022 round of 16 clash.

Since making his debut under Genort Rohr on October 13, 2019, in a friendly match against Brazil, Okoye has made 16 appearances in the green and white jersey.