Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is reportedly not part of head coach Eric Chelle’s plans for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against the Jordan national football team in March, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Nigeria is scheduled to face the World Cup debutants during the next FIFA international window, with Chelle expected to use the encounter to assess fringe players and emerging talents under his watch.
Nwabali, who is currently without a club following his recent exit, is unlikely to be included in the squad for the fixture — even if he secures a new deal before March. Sources indicate that the technical crew intends to utilise the match to evaluate alternative options in goal as part of a broader restructuring process.
Among the goalkeepers under consideration is Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham AFC. However, he is expected to compete with Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie for the starting role in the friendly.
Meanwhile, Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye is reportedly no longer a preferred choice within the current setup. It is understood that Chelle was displeased after Okoye allegedly declined a previous national team invitation ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations unless guaranteed the number one shirt — a stance the coach is said to have viewed as undermining his authority.
While Okoye’s return has not been entirely ruled out, sources suggest that any reconciliation would depend on further discussions aimed at resolving the issues that led to his omission.
With the Jordan friendly fast approaching, Chelle appears poised to use the opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s goalkeeping hierarchy as preparations continue for upcoming competitive assignments.