Maduka Okoye’s standout performances for Udinese have sparked discussions about his return to the Super Eagles squad, potentially displacing Stanley Nwabali as the team’s number one goalkeeper. Despite a slow start at Udinese, Okoye has emerged as the first-choice goalkeeper, showcasing his talent with 18 Serie A appearances and three clean sheets this season.

However, Nwabali’s recent success as Nigeria’s goalkeeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations raises questions about Okoye’s potential comeback. Nwabali’s stellar performance, including saving crucial penalties in the semifinal shootout, highlights his reliability and consistency for Chippa United throughout the season.

While Okoye’s talent is undeniable, past instances of inconsistency, such as in the game against Algeria, raise concerns about his readiness for high-stakes international matches. With critical World Cup qualifiers and AFCON qualifiers on the horizon, maintaining Nwabali as the first-choice goalkeeper may be the safer option for the Super Eagles.

As Okoye vies for a return to the national team, his recent resurgence prompts reflections on whether he can truly reclaim the position from Nwabali and prove himself on the international stage once again.