Anifowose Samson
As Nigeria prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle faces the task of strengthening the squad to boost their chances of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. One area that requires urgent attention is the goalkeeping department, which has been a concern for the team in recent times, according to All Nigeria Soccer....TAP HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY..>>
With Stanley Nwabali emerging as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Chelle needs to bring in some competition to ensure depth and consistency in the position. Fortunately, there are several goalkeepers of Nigerian descent playing across Europe and beyond who could provide the much-needed quality between the posts.
One such goalkeeper is Owen Goodman, a 21-year-old Crystal Palace product who currently plays for AFC Wimbledon in League Two. Goodman has had a standout season, keeping 17 clean sheets in 31 games while conceding just 20 goals. His commanding presence in the box, excellent aerial ability, and shot-stopping skills make him an attractive option for Chelle.
Another goalkeeper who could strengthen Nigeria’s squad is Noah Atubolu, a 22-year-old who currently plays for Freiburg in the Bundesliga. Atubolu has been impressive for the German club, registering eight clean sheets in 20 league appearances. His ability to command his box, make key saves, and play with composure under pressure would be a major asset to the Super Eagles.
Arthur Okonkwo, formerly of Arsenal and now playing for Wrexham, is another goalkeeper who could provide quality between the posts. Okonkwo is a modern goalkeeper known for his composure, quick reflexes, and distribution, which would make him a good fit for Chelle’s tactical approach.
Joshua Oluwayemi, who currently plays in the A-League for Wellington, is another option for Chelle. Despite limited game time, Oluwayemi has managed three clean sheets this season and could provide additional depth to Nigeria’s goalkeeping department.
Tobias Lawal, a talented goalkeeper for LASK in the Austrian Bundesliga, is also eligible to play for Nigeria. Lawal has kept two clean sheets in six games this season and has experience playing in European football, which would be valuable for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Finally, there’s Leo Kokubo, a Japanese-Nigerian goalkeeper who currently plays for Sint-Truiden in the Belgian Pro League. Kokubo has represented Japan at the Olympics but remains eligible to play for Nigeria. He’s known for his quick reflexes and shot-stopping ability, which could make him a solid option for Chelle.
Recruiting any of these goalkeepers would not only add quality to Nigeria’s squad but also increase competition, ensuring that the team has reliable options in a crucial position. As the Super Eagles prepare for their World Cup qualifiers, Chelle will be hoping to bring in some fresh faces to strengthen the team’s chances of success.-Read Full Details
