Super Eagles and Udinese Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to replace Nwabali in AFCON Qualification against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is poised to make his much-anticipated return to the Super Eagles’ goalpost for the first time in two years during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Benin Republic on November 14 and Rwanda on November 18, with Okoye expected to feature prominently.
Interim coach Austine Eguavoen has indicated plans to field the 25-year-old in one of the two crucial matches, with current number one Stanley Nwabali likely to be rested.
The Super Eagles are just one point shy of securing their spot at the Afcon.
This was bolstered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarding them three points and three goals for an abandoned match against Libya, which left them stranded at the airport for 18 hours upon arrival.
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A draw against Benin Republic could seal Nigeria’s qualification, and if achieved, Okoye would take the goal for their final match against Rwanda in Uyo.
This will mark Okoye’s first appearance since Nigeria’s quarter-final defeat to Tunisia in 2022, a match that has haunted him for over two years.
Okoye faced intense criticism on social media after that defeat, leading him to step away from the national team due to concerns for his safety.
However, he recently expressed his readiness to return and has been serving as a backup to Nwabali.