Nigerians miss Stanley Nwabali after Super Eagles concede three goals in two games

Nigeria number one Stanley Nwabali watched the Super Eagles' March window from home as three goalkeepers went to Turkey in his place, and each one conceded. 

By the time the Jordan draw was confirmed on Tuesday night, social media had already delivered its verdict.

Nwabali left Chippa United by mutual consent in February, leaving him without a club and, as a result, without a seat on Eric Chelle's plane to Antalya. 

The coach named Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adeleye Adebayo as his three goalkeepers for the Iran and Jordan friendlies. None of them kept a clean sheet across the two games.

Okoye started against Iran at the Mardan Sports Complex and conceded once, Mehdi Taremi's 68th-minute header pulling Iran back to 2-1 before Nigeria held on to win. 

Against Jordan on Tuesday, Uzoho started but was forced off in the 57th minute after sustaining an injury, with Adebayo coming on to finish the game. 

Jordan equalised through Mohammad Al-Daoud in the 77th minute to make it 2-2, the second goal Nigeria gave away in Antalya. The result was not a disaster. 

Nigeria went unbeaten across both games, Moses Simon scored in both matches, Emmanuel Fernandez marked his full debut with a left-footed finish against Jordan, and the squad gave Chelle plenty to work with ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. 

But the conceded goals were enough to reopen the Nwabali conversation, and Nigerians did not hold back.

"He is the only keeper that will slightly give you peace of mind. I pray he finds a club on time so that he can return," one stated. 

"For now, make everybody dey play — Nwabali is our best keeper, simple truth," another disappointed fan said.

A third noted that "One day, we will appreciate Nwabali more." "Honestly, Nwabali is underrated by Nigerians," added another.

The 29-year-old has spoken publicly about his situation since leaving Chippa, saying he is not worried and is open to any club, local or international.

Kaizer Chiefs and Simba SC of Tanzania have been linked as potential destinations but nothing concrete has materialised yet.

The clock is moving, if he stays without one much longer, the window could close. 

Nigeria's next competitive fixtures are the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. For now, the number one shirt is up for grabs. Nwabali's fans have made clear they know who should be wearing it.