Nwabili not Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper, says Peseiro
Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, is keeping mum on the selection of his first choice goalkeeper, after newly invited Stanley Nwabili conceded two goals in the international friendly against Guinea.
In the only competitive friendly match before the team heads out for the Africa Cup of Nations, Peseiro named Nwabili ahead of Francis Uzoho and Ojo Olorunleke, fueling speculations that the 27 year-old could be primed to become the new number One.
However, in his post game remark the Portuguese assured that nobody – but him – knows who will be handed the spot.
“Today, Stanley (Nwabili) played, I don’t think it guarantees that he’s our first choice,” Peseiro told the Super Eagles official media page.
“Against Equatorial Guinea, we will see, I already know, but everyone will see then.”
Nwabili, who plays his club football for South African top tier side, Chippa United, was drafted in to compete with the under fire Francis Uzoho, albeit the latter is still favorite to retain his place.
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Peseiro came under intense pressure to drop the former U17 World Champion, after a number of high profile errors in games.
Yet, Uzoho remains the Super Eagles’ most capped goalkeeper among the three selected in the final 26-man squad.
Nigeria will kick start its campaign in Ivory Coast at the Cup of Nations against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.