'I didn't know Uzoho before coming to camp' - Nwabili discusses goalkeeping rivalry ahead of CIV v Nigeria

Chippa United star Stanley Nwabili has sensationally claimed that he did not know Francis Uzoho before meeting him in the Super Eagles training camp ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Manager Jose Peseiro selected six goalkeepers in his 40-man provisional squad for the AFCON namely Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia),  Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba), Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United), Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem), Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance) and Christian Nwoke (Sporting Lagos), with the first three making the cut for the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast. 

Peseiro ended the controversy regarding the Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper with the surprise inclusion of Nwabili in the starting lineup against Equatorial Guinea. 

The South African based goalkeeper didn't really have much to do throughout his competitive debut for the Super Eagles apart from picking the ball from his net in the 36th minute. 

Nwabili is of the belief that the competitive rivalry can motivate the goalkeepers to give their best for the national team. 

Speaking to reporters in Abidjan ahead of the Ivory Coast v Nigeria match, Nwabili stated: "You see even before I came here I didn't know them much. I only know Ojo, I did not know Uzoho. I came to the camp, Uzoho is one of the amazing guys I've ever seen. He's a nice guy like Ojo.

"We always talk to ourselves to see how everyone improves. We always work hard together. I just wish everyone improves for the country."

Nwabili is expected to win the fight for a starting berth in this evening's showdown with Ivory Coast.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com