Nwabali Overdose Things Sometimes, Says Ex-Goalkeeper Dosu
Former Olympic goalkeeper, Joseph Dosu, has praised Stanley Nwabali as a goalkeeper who fits the style preferred by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, though he admitted the player sometimes overdoes things.
Dosu described Nwabali as a composed goalkeeper under pressure, capable of making crucial saves that can change the course of a match.
The debate over who should be Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper continues, with some fans and experts admiring Nwabali’s boldness, while others worry his decisions can be risky. Supporters have urged him to tone down his showmanship.
Compared to his days in the Nigeria Premier Football League, where he would occasionally dribble from goal to midfield, his current style appears more controlled.
Nwabali’s unpredictable and unconventional approach has drawn comparisons to legendary goalkeepers René Higuita and Jorge Campos, known for their creative play.
Speaking on ThePlayzone podcast, Dosu said Chelle favours goalkeepers who are daring and fearless. He recalled first noticing Nwabali when his older brother, then the goalkeeper coach for Go Round, showed him a picture of the tall and physically imposing player.
“He’s a good goalkeeper for the future,” Dosu said, adding that with the right mindset, Nwabali has the potential to become a regular for the national team.
Dosu emphasised Chelle’s preference for goalkeepers who communicate effectively with defenders and intimidate opposing players. “Is he doing his job properly? Yes. Maybe sometimes he overdoes things, but he works hard to keep the ball out of the net. He isn’t a bad goalkeeper,” Dosu said.
Nwabali has kept eight clean sheets in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, just two shy of Nigeria’s all-time record set by Vincent Enyeama.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
