According to OwnGoalNigeria, the goalie trainer who worked with the Super Eagles at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has made a startling admission, he prefers Maduka Okoye to Stanley Nwabali. The trainer feels Okoye is the superior goalie, even if Nwabali had several outstanding performances during the competition.
Former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro brought in Portuguese goalkeeper coach Nuno Carrapato to work with the team's goalkeepers. Carrapato was entrusted with getting the Super Eagles goalkeepers ready for the AFCON. He had previously worked with Peseiro at Sporting Lisbon.
Although Nwabali was chosen over Okoye as the starting goalkeeper, Carrapato had originally favored Okoye due to his decision to concentrate on his club career.
Nwabali continued to play goalkeeping for the Super Eagles throughout the tournament, putting up some strong showings. Carrapato still thinks Okoye is better, pointing to his qualifications and experience. Since then, Okoye has stated that he is prepared to rejoin the Super Eagles for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. It would be interesting to watch if Okoye is able to reclaim his starting position as goalkeeper of choice.