Eric Chelle drops Nwabali as Super Eagles goalkeeper, naming Francis Uzoho first choice ahead of upcoming friendlies

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has dropped Stanley Nwabali as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and appointed Francis Uzoho as the new number one ahead of upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan.

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Eric Chelle drops Nwabali following weeks of uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper’s club future after the 29-year-old mutually terminated his contract with South African side Chippa United on February 5.

Stanley Nwabali, who had been Nigeria’s undisputed first choice in recent years, remains without a club, raising concerns about match fitness and competitive sharpness.

The development reportedly influenced Chelle’s decision to omit the former Katsina United goalkeeper from the latest squad list.

The decision marks a dramatic shift in the Super Eagles hierarchy as Nigeria return to action for the first time since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Francis Uzoho, who featured as second-choice goalkeeper during the last AFCON campaign in Morocco, now steps into the spotlight.

The Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper has made limited appearances at club level this season but retains the trust of the technical crew.

Chelle is understood to favour stability and discipline within the squad, particularly as the team seeks to rebuild momentum.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye remains in contention but faces renewed scrutiny after previously declining an AFCON call-up when he was not assured of a starting role. That episode reportedly strained relations with the national team set-up.

Wrexham United goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has also emerged as a strong contender.

The 24-year-old recently switched international allegiance from England to Nigeria and will compete directly with Uzoho for the shirt.

The reshuffle signals Chelle’s intention to foster healthy competition rather than rely on a single dominant figure in goal.

For Nwabali, the setback comes at a pivotal moment in his career.

Reports have linked the goalkeeper with Premier Soccer League side Kaizer Chiefs, who are said to remain interested following his departure from Chippa United.

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As preparations intensify for the next phase of international fixtures, the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping position is now firmly back in focus.