Legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama believes Stanley Nwabali has what it takes to be the Super Eagles’ starting goalkeeper for the foreseeable future.
The 41-year-old said the Chippa United shot-stopper stepped up at the right moment when Maduka Okoye was unavailable and Francis Uzoho was experiencing an inconsistent spell with the Super Eagles.
Enyeama is rated by Nigerians as one of the greatest goalkeepers the country has ever produced due to his impressive performances during his playing days.
The former Lille and Hapoel Tel Aviv goalkeeper was capped 101 times by the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2015 and was the captain of the side that won the country’s last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2013.
Enyeama wants Nwabali to keep performing for Super Eagles
Having watched Nwabali rise to the occasion in his debut tournament for Nigeria at AFCON 2024, Enyeama believes the 27-year-old is the kind of goalkeeper the national team has been crying out for.
Nwabali was one of the Super Eagles standout performers in the Ivory Coast and kept four clean sheets as Jose Peseiro’s side reached the final of the tournament.
Despite having never played in a competitive game for his country before the AFCON, Nwabali looked unfazed by the challenge and was always assured in the post.
“I think Stanley came in at the right time, for a long time we have been clamouring for a goalkeeper. We didn't readily have Okoye and Uzoho had done well with the national team but his form is unfortunate,” Enyeama told Lagos Talks FM.
“I pray he [Nwabali] continues in this good form and ends all the talks about me cursing the national team or casting a spell on the national team.”
Enyeama: ‘I didn’t curse Super Eagles’
Enyeama also distanced himself from claims that he cursed the national team following his acrimonious retirement from international football.
The legendary goalkeeper called time on his international career in 2015 following a fallout with then Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh.
Nigeria’s struggles in the years that followed led to speculations that Enyeama cast a spell on the Super Eagles after the bitter ending to his stint with the national team, but he has now refuted such claims.
“I received a lot of nasty messages accusing me of all sorts, but thankfully, Stanley came in and helped change that narrative by breaking through the ranks,” Enyeama said.
“I didn't curse the national team, if I had the power to do that, I could have currently changed the economic fortunes of Nigeria.”
Nwabali being monitored by English and Saudi clubs
Meanwhile, Nwabali’s impressive showing at the AFCON in Ivory Coast has led to him being linked with several clubs.
It is increasingly looking like Chipaa United will struggle to hold on to the Nigeria number one at the end of the season, with some European and Asian clubs already circling around.
Last week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that English Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers (QPR) were keen on signing Nwabali in the summer. According to him, Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq, who are currently managed by Steven Gerrard, have also inquired about Nwabali’s availability.
There were also earlier reports that South African side Kaizer Chiefs were interested in signing the 27-year-old, but their interest seems to have cooled in recent weeks. Nwabali has so far remained tight-lipped about his future decision, but it’s likely that a good offer could lure him away from Chippa United.
The former Enyimba and Katsina United shot-stopper has been one of the best goalkeepers in the South African topflight, having kept eight clean sheets in 17 matches this season.
