Former Nigerian Olympic goalkeeper Joseph Dosu has endorsed Stanley Nwabali as the ideal fit for current Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, despite acknowledging that the shot-stopper occasionally takes unnecessary risks. During an appearance on The Playzone podcast, Dosu characterized Nwabali as a high-caliber professional who remains remarkably composed under duress, often delivering match-winning saves.
While the debate regarding Nigeria’s permanent number-one goalkeeper persists among pundits, Dosu argued that Nwabali’s ability to anchor the defense outweighs the concerns of those who find his adventurous decision-making too erratic.
Nwabali’s unconventional approach has drawn high-profile comparisons to legendary “sweeper-keepers” like René Higuita and Jorge Campos, known for their flair and creative participation in active play. Although some fans have urged the Chippa United star to adopt a more conservative style, his current performances appear significantly more disciplined than his early career in the Nigeria Premier Football League, where he famously dribbled from his own box into the midfield. Dosu revealed that Eric Chelle specifically favors this “warrior” mentality, preferring a goalkeeper who communicates aggressively and intimidates opposing attackers.
The former international shared a personal anecdote regarding Nwabali’s rise, noting that his brother—a goalkeeper coach at Go Round FC—first identified the player’s immense physical presence and tall frame years ago. Dosu believes that if Nwabali maintains a disciplined psychological focus, he will solidify his legacy as a mainstay for the national team. He emphasized that regardless of public opinion, the coach’s tactical preference for a “fearless” presence in goal makes Nwabali the current frontrunner for the position as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualification cycle.
Reflecting on the coach’s specific requirements, Dosu stated: “The most important thing is, first of all, what did Super Eagles coach Eric say about him? He mentioned he likes a goalkeeper who is really crazy. Whatever we say is not important. He wants goalkeepers who communicate with their defenders and the other team’s players to make them feel scared.”
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