Monday, November 25, 2024 -Former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Alloy Agu believes current Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has what it takes to attain Vincent Enyeama’s height in the senior national team.
Nwabali etched his name into Nigerian football history books after
keeping four consecutive clean sheets at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
Nwabali’s record-breaking run surpasses the previous Nigerian mark of
three straight clean sheets held by Alloy Agu and equals Best Ogedegbe’s
44-year-old record.
Although the Super Eagles lost the final 2-1 to host Ivory Coast,
however, the Chippa United goalkeeper was outstanding at the tournament.
Fans believe that Nwabali’s assurance, authority, and confidence between
the posts are his best traits, the same qualities that endeared Enyeama to the
hearts of Nigerian football enthusiasts.
Agu also believes that Nwabali has built a reputation for himself
in the Super Eagles and could match Enyeama.
Enyeama’s crowning glory arrived in 2013 when he played an instrumental
role in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations victory, earning a place in the Team of
the Tournament.
“Honestly speaking to you, there is a lot of work for him to do. And
there is still room for improvement for him. When you look at Enyeama, you will
understand that he has done so well for the Super Eagles. The records are there
for us to see.” He told CompleteSportsNigeria.
“Nwabali has also done well, and when you begin to compare him with
Vincent Enyeama, then you have to look at the time, the game, and the
competition. Notwithstanding, Nwabali has done well for himself and his
country, the same with Enyeama.
“He has what it takes to reach that same level as Enyeama if he
continues to maintain a high level of concentration on his game. Nwabali has
shown lots of confidence in goal, and I admire his ability to communicate with
the defence. Not to forget also that he has made some brilliant saves for the
Super Eagles and kept some clean sheets as well.
“With what I have seen so far, Nwabali is not doing badly to fit into
Enyeama’s shoes, and I think it’s just a matter of time.”
0 Comments