Nwabili will compete with Uzoho and Ojo for a starting berth in goal at AFCON in Ivory Coast
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles boss, Jose Peseiro has explained why he added Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabili to the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to NFF TV, the Portuguese tactician said he picked him because of his performance while donning the jersey of his South African club.
Peseiro visited Chippa United to assess Nwabili last month and was impressed with the goalkeeper’s performance.
According to him, the shot-stopper showed good quality in training and competitive action.
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Addressing why he picked the 27-year-old goalkeeper, Peseiro said: “We believe in him (Nwabili) because he showed good quality, good performance, and good capacities. Now I hope he displays the same quality he showed at his club.”
Nwabili is expected to compete with Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo for a starting berth in the team when AFCON kicks off in Ivory Coast.
The former Enyimba goalie has been capped once at international level by Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Peseiro has come under heavy criticism on social media after releasing his final 25-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Following the announcement of the team on Friday, Nigerians trooped to various social media platforms to question Ahmed Musa’s inclusion.
They also wondered why Peseiro left out the likes of Kelechi Nwakali, Olisa Ndah, Terem Moffi, Leon Balogun, Gift Orban, Nathan Tella and Cyriel Dessers.
Some fans faulted the midfield selection that boasted the likes of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Frank Onyeka, saying it lacked creativity.
Nigeria will begin preparations for the 2023 AFCON in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on January 1.
Peseiro’s men are in Group A with hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
