Why It Is Wise To Continue With Nwabili In Goal For Nigeria For Now Despite Okoye's Good Club Outings

Why a “Case for Change” Aimed At Replacing Super Eagles Goalkeeping Number 1 Slot Is Weak

Before we can consider replacing Super Eagles’ starting goalkeeper, I think the conditions have to be solidly linked to performance in national team colours.

Recently, there has been calls in certain quarters for the Super Eagles management team to replace Nwabili with Okoye as Super Eagles first choice net-minder.

For me, I think this case is weak, and I will say why.

It is undeniable that Okoye is playing for higher profile club in a higher calibre league compared with Nwabili. But should that be the preeminent yardstick?

To make a compelling “case for change” I would argue that only 3 tests have to be applied: 1) Is the incumbent goalkeeper still delivering the goods in national team colours? 2) Is the incumbent playing regularly in a modest league? 3) Is the incumbent fit physically, mentally and psychologically?

Nwabili, who is yet to drop the ball in national team colours, ticks the 3 boxes in-excelsis.

I worry; I have serious concern about the message it sends that we have to carry out a coup to topple a sitting goalkeeper who is doing a good job in favour of an alternative simply, solely or largely due to league and club status. This idea stinks of being beyond-the-pale.

Please, follow me on this imaginary scenario: we all know that Nigeria has potential dual nationality players waiting to don the green-white-green.

Should we illegally overthrow Nwabili for Okoye because the latter plays for Udinese in the Italia Serie A, what then happens if Manchester City signs Arthur Okonkwo, install him as their number one and use him to win the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League whilst Udinese is struggling in relegation waters in Italy despite fantastic saves from Okoye.

What will happen? Another goalkeeping palace-coup will be on the cards with online placards of OKONKWO IS OUR MAN; OKOYE YESTERDAY-OKONWO TODAY!

My question then is: when will it end? Once you discover a goalkeeper in a better club, the current Super Eagles number one becomes “surplus to first-choice requirements”.

You can see why this approach and philosophy to a “case for change” is not only unfair to the existing number one, it unreliable, unsustainable, reckless, unsupportable and purely sentimental.

Eguavoen is slowly steadying the Super Eagles ship after a brief moment of turmoil following Finidi’s ill-fated stint. Making sentimental changes to the Super Eagles starting 11 can only serve to sow the seeds of destabilisation.

Irrespective of the leagues and clubs other goalkeepers are punching their clocks , until the current number one starts to leak needless goals in Super Eagles clubs with decline in club performances, he should be spared brutal and needless coup de tat.