Peseiro reveals reason for Stanley Nwabili AFCON invitation.
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has revealed reason behind his decision to invite uncapped goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili for the upcoming AFCON.
In a recent chat with NFF TV, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro shed light on the inclusion of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili in Nigeria’s 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Peseiro expressed his admiration for Nwabili’s standout performances with Chippa United, acknowledging the team’s persistent goalkeeper issues over the past two years.
Nigeria has faced setbacks in crucial matches due to goalkeeping errors, prompting Peseiro, since assuming coaching responsibilities, to rotate between Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, and Adebayo Adeleye.
Despite steadfastly defending his goalkeepers in the past, Peseiro decided to explore new options, and Nwabili emerged as a noteworthy candidate.
The coach was even photographed alongside Nwabili after a game at the South African club, marking the beginning of the goalkeeper’s journey into contention for a spot in the AFCON squad.
Eventually named in Nigeria’s provisional 40-man squad alongside other goalkeepers like Uzoho, Olorunleke Ojo, Adebayo Adeleye, Christian Nwoke, and Obasogie Amas, Nwabili’s inclusion raised eyebrows.
Peseiro detailed the decision-making process behind Nwabili’s selection. With limited video footage of the South African league available, Peseiro consulted Nwabili’s club coaches, personally visited South Africa for four days, observed training sessions, and even attended a live match before making the final decision.
“There were not many videos of the South African league available for us. But some friends sent us videos of Nwabili’s matches in the South African league,” Peseiro said.
“I asked the NFF President to let me go there. So, I was there in South Africa for four days to speak with him, I spoke to the coach, and a lot of people. I watched the trainings, the practice, and I watched one match. In the final list we decided to add him in the list after the whole evaluation.
“We believe in him because he showed good quality, good performance, and good capacities. Now I hope he displays the same quality he shows at his club,” explained Peseiro, expressing confidence in Nwabili’s abilities.
As the AFCON kick-off approaches on January 13, Nigeria’s campaign begins the next day with a match against Equatorial Guinea.
The inclusion of Nwabili adds an element of competition to the goalkeeping position, with the possibility of challenging Uzoho for a starting role if he impresses during training sessions leading up to the tournament.
