Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili, despite making two consecutive starts in the team's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations encounters, refrains from outrightly asserting his claim as the primary shot-stopper, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports
The 27-year-old, who hadn't featured in any matches for the three-time champions until the competition's opener against Equatorial Guinea, delivered a sensational performance.
Nwabili's surprising inclusion in the starting XI raised eyebrows, especially with the anticipation that the regular goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, would maintain his position in the team.
Nevertheless, Nwabili secured his role even in the second group game against the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire, where he exhibited outstanding goalkeeping skills.
Despite his consecutive heroic performances, sidelining an established figure like Omonia Nicosia's goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, Nwabili maintains that Uzoho remains the team's first-choice goalkeeper.
“It has been nice, it has been God throughout but being the first choice, Uzoho is still the first choice,” the Chippa United goalkeeper told Veteran Journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana.
“I only had the opportunity to play. So I just feel like when I have the opportunity to play I just need to do my best. But talking about the first choice Uzoho is still the first choice.” He added.
Nigeria will play Guinea-Bissau in their final Group A tie on Monday and Jose Peseiro now has to make it clear who his number one is.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun