Victor Ikpeba says Super Eagles need two strong goalkeepers to maintain high standards, praising Stanley Nwabali and urging healthy competition in the squad

Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has emphasised that the Super Eagles need two top goalkeepers to maintain high performance levels.

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Speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, Ikpeba praised current number one Stanley Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa and has featured in 13 of the last 14 Super Eagles matches.

However, he stressed the importance of healthy competition in the squad.

“When it comes to Nwabali, the Super Eagles team needs two really good goalkeepers. In the past, I remember we had Emmanuel Okala and Best Ogedegbe,” Ikpeba said, highlighting the need for depth in the position.

Backup options in recent years have included Maduka Okoye from Udinese, Francis Uzoho from Omonia Nicosia, and Amas Obasogie from Singida Black Stars.

Nwabali maintained four consecutive clean sheets at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, replicating his performance in the 2023 tournament when Nigeria finished second.

Ikpeba also welcomed the decision of England-based Arthur Okonkwo to represent Nigeria, noting that competition within the team drives performance.

“What the team needs is a little bit of competition, which will make everyone work harder,” he said.

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Reflecting on Nigeria’s history at the Africa Cup of Nations, Ikpeba praised the squad’s achievements: three championship wins, five finals appearances, and nine third-place finishes, reinforcing the country’s influence in continental football.