Maduka Okoye, former Super Eagles number choice has finally got an opportunity to reclaim the number one shirt when he returns between the sticks on Monday game between Nigeria and Rwanda.
Following death of his dad, Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen excused grieving first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, from the Super Eagles’ squad to confront the Amavubi of Rwanda in Monday’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Uyo.
“He has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his team mates on,” Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, told thenff.com.
The player announced via his social media handle on Friday that his father, Godspower Onyekam Abali, Chief Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi, had passed on. The former chief surveyor was 67.
Nwabali’s absence means the contest for the number one jersey in Monday’s encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium will be a straight one between Italy-based Maduka Okoye and Ethiopia-based Amas Obasogie.
Maduka Okoye who has been in superb form for his Italian club, Udinese has an edge over Ethiopia-based Amas Obasogie.
The former Super Eagles number one goalie will have to be in his best form on Monday to convince Nigerians of his readiness for retaining the position.
