The competition for the goalkeeper position within the Super Eagles is crystallizing, as Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo are the primary candidates while Nigeria readies for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Softfootball Media recently captured both goalkeepers during training in Uyo, where Éric Chelle’s team is intensifying their preparations for the important match against Madagascar set for Friday.
Watch The Video Below;
Okoye Yet to Report to Camp
Maduka Okoye has not yet joined his teammates in Uyo. The Udinese goalkeeper was seen in Milan on Wednesday night during Milan Fashion Week, alongside American artist Cardi B. According to SoftFootball, Okoye received approval from head coach Éric Chelle to postpone his arrival.
With practice already in session, focus has turned to Nwabali and Okonkwo, who now have a chance to make an impression on Chelle and his coaching staff as they vie for the starting position ahead of the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Okonkwo’s Special Milestone
For Arthur Okonkwo, this training camp is particularly significant. The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper practiced on Nigerian soil for the first time on September 22, 2026, after arriving at the Super Eagles camp in Uyo.
Watch His Exclusive Interview speaking with Softfootball, about training with the Super Eagles on the Nigerian soil for the first Time;
His presence adds depth to the goalkeeper position, with his recent national team experience providing Chelle with another viable choice.
Nwabali’s Experience vs Okonkwo’s Momentum
The contrast between Nwabali’s vast experience in African football and Okonkwo’s upward trend in the national squad creates a fascinating competition for the starting goalkeeper role. With Okoye not present, the contest between the two available goalkeepers is poised to escalate as the team continues its preparations.
Nigeria will face Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, before heading to Guinea-Bissau for their subsequent qualifying match.
