A World Cupper, three NPFL stars, potential gatecrasher: A look at Super Eagles GK options for AFCON

Nigeria senior national team coach Jose Peseiro, has assembled an array of goalkeeping options in Nigeria's 40-man provisional AFCON 2023 squad which was made public last week, yet continues seeking a definitive number one capable of cementing the starting role.AFCON 

Foremost in contention is Francis Uzoho, who at 25 years old, offers the most international experience having featured at the 2018 World Cup and previous AFCON tournaments for the Super Eagles.

While occasionally error-prone, Uzoho's shot stopping reflexes and willingness to command his penalty area make him a strong contender to start between the sticks.

Hapoel Jerusalem's Adebayo Adeleye has also reportedly impressed the Nigeria coaches during his recent maiden call up to the national team.

At age 23, his agile shot stopping and distribution skills suggest plenty of room still to develop into a potential Super Eagles mainstay.

Chippa United first choice shot-stoper Stanley Nwabali is a potential gatecrasher , having recently caught the eye of Peseiro who visited his club and eventually held talks with the 27-year-old given the outcry of Nigerians for fresh personnel between the sticks after Uzoho's  errors during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies recently.

Local based professionals like Enyimba's Ojo Olorunleke, Bendel Insurance's Amas Obasogie and Sporting Lagos' Christian Nwoke may need strong showings in their potential debut AFCON appearances to unseat the more seasoned Uzoho or Europe-based Adeleye.

Yet their form domestically cannot be overlooked if maintained ahead of the biennial tournament in January.

In total, Peseiro has cast a wide net to cover his goalkeeping options. But sorting the depth chart and settling on a definitive first choice will be crucial as Nigeria aims to build defensive cohesion en route to AFCON glory, come January next year.

Ejim Kaycee

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