Former international Nwabali must work hard to reclaim the Eagles' top spot.

Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has said that Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali will face a tough road to reclaim his number‑one spot in the senior national team.

Ekpo made the comment against the backdrop of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s strong performances in Serie A this season.

Recall that Nwabali has been without a club for three months since leaving Chippa United in February.

Nwabali, 29, joined Chippa United in 2020 and became one of the club’s key players, with his displays earning him a place in Nigeria’s national team setup.

Read Also: Okoye Wins Udinese Player Of The Month Award

In a conversation with Completesports.com, Ekpo stated that Nwabali will not have an easy path back into the Super Eagles, citing Okoye’s consistency and impressive form for Udinese.

“There is no doubt that Nwabali is a talented goalkeeper, but his absence from the Super Eagles as a result of his inactivity with club football really makes me feel worried,” Ekpo said.

“To be fair, it will be difficult for him to walk back into the team and regain the number one spot, going by the performance of Maduka Okoye at Udinese.”

“Okoye has gradually taken his game to another height, and his confidence in front of goal makes me feel Nwabali has a lot to do to take his place back.”