Eric Chelle Replaces Stanley Nwabali As Super Eagles' First Choice Goalkeeper, Names New Number 1
- Eric Chelle reportedly replaced Stanley Nwabali with Francis Uzoho as Nigeria’s new first-choice goalkeeper
- Nwabali’s clubless status after leaving Chippa United recently weakened his position in the national team
- Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo and Udinese’s Maduka Okoye remain in contention for the Nigerian No.1 jersey
Coach Eric Chelle has made a bold call in the Super Eagles' goalkeeping department, officially replacing Stanley Nwabali with Francis Uzoho as Nigeria’s new first-choice goalkeeper.
With Nigeria preparing for upcoming international fixtures, the Malian has opted for stability over uncertainty, ending Nwabali’s long spell as the undisputed number one for the Super Eagles.
Source: Getty Images
Nwabali’s troubles with the national team began after the 29-year-old goalie mutually terminated his contract with Chippa United on February 5, 2026.
The former Kastina United goalkeeper, who had been Nigeria’s preferred option in recent years, left the South African side months before his deal was due to expire, One Football reports.
However, weeks after his departure, Nwabali remains clubless, creating uncertainty around his match fitness and readiness for international duty ahead of upcoming fixtures.
The absence of regular football proved decisive in the coach's omission of the 29-year-old for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
For a top-tier player who was once regarded as untouchable between the posts, the sudden fall in status has marked a dramatic shift.
Chelle is seemingly keen to avoid risks as the Super Eagles return to action for the first time since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: Getty Images
Uzoho set as Super Eagles' number one
With Nwabali now on the sidelines, Chelle has turned to Francis Uzoho as the new number one, according to OwnGoal Nigeria.
The experienced shot-stopper, who has made just eight appearances this season for Omonia Nicosia, per Transfermarkt, was the second-choice keeper at the last AFCON in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished third.
Uzoho’s selection has signalled Chelle’s preference for familiarity and discipline within the squad.
The coach is reportedly unconvinced by Maduka Okoye, who previously declined an AFCON call-up after learning he would not be guaranteed the starting role.
That episode is believed to have strained his relationship with the current Super Eagles technical crew.
Ironically, Okoye, who plays for Udinese, would normally be a leading contender for the position based on club pedigree alone.
Uzoho backed to step up in Nwabali's absence
Meanwhile, Uzoho has received the backing of Nigerian football expert Toritseju Williams to step up in Nwabali's absence.
“Nobody can overlook Francis Uzoho’s experience and composure between the sticks,” Toritseju Williams told Legit.ng.
“Even with Stanley Nwabali sidelined, Uzoho has proven himself in pressure situations for the Super Eagles. He brings stability to the squad and has the trust of coach Eric Chelle, which is crucial for maintaining consistency in goal.”
“While Maduka Okoye has the talent and pedigree from Udinese, the past issues with the technical crew and the lack of guaranteed playing time make it difficult for him to displace Uzoho right now,” Williams added.
Okonkwo to rival Uzoho in goal
While Uzoho now leads the race, the newly picked Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper will not enjoy a free run.
Newly invited Wrexham United’s Arthur Okonkwo should provide serious competition for the number one spot in the Super Eagles squad.
Okonkwo recently switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, and his arrival added a new layer of intrigue to Chelle’s goalkeeping plans.
The coach has shown himself eager to encourage healthy competition rather than rely on one dominant figure.
With Nigeria seeking to rebuild after recent setbacks, the goalkeeping department is now wide open.
Nwabali linked to PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs
Legit.ng also reported that Premier Soccer League giants Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly interested in Nwabali after he departed Chippa United.
The Amakhosi are said to be long-time admirers of the top-tier Nigerian goalkeeper, but were unsuccessful in previous efforts to gain his signature.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
