- Former international goalkeeper Joseph Dosu praises Stanley Nwabali for stellar AFCON performances, hailing him as a complete and reliable goalkeeper
- Dosu commends Nwabali’s confidence, aerial command, and timing, expressing hope for his swift recovery for the next match against Angola
Former international goalkeeper Joseph Dosu has showered praise on Stanley Nwabali, the new goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, lauding his stellar performances at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Amidst a goalkeeping crisis in the Super Eagles, Nwabali, formerly of Lobi Stars and Katsina United, emerged as a potential replacement for Francis Uzoho, who struggled to live up to his billing as the number-one keeper. Nwabali not only made it into the 2023 AFCON squad but has also started all four matches played by the Super Eagles so far in Cote d’Ivoire.
With three clean sheets to his name, the Chippa United goalkeeper, despite getting injured in the Round of 16 clash with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, seems to have solidified his position as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Super Eagles.
Joseph Dosu, who had three camps with the Super Eagles after Nigeria’s victory at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, commended Nwabali’s performance, describing him as a complete goalkeeper. Dosu emphasized that Nigerian football fans had long been searching for a reliable goalkeeper, and Nwabali has proven to be the answer.
“He has done very well. Nwabali is a complete goalkeeper. Maybe he is the one Nigerian football fans have been asking for. He has exhibited high-level confidence as if he has been in the team for a long time. He commands his area very well. His timing and kicks are near perfect,” said Dosu.
Dosu, whose promising career was cut short by a car crash in Lagos in 1997, expressed hope for Nwabali’s swift recovery for the next match against Angola. He added that Nwabali’s aerial command and confidence in goal would significantly contribute to the Super Eagles’ success. Dosu urged other goalkeepers like Uzoho or Ojo Olorunleke, in case Nwabali is unavailable, to maintain or surpass the high standard set by the new goalkeeper.
“I repeat that with Nwabali, Super Eagles’ goalpost is secured, but he must work harder to maintain the standard,” emphasized Dosu.
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