Former Nigerian goalkeeper Bassey Akpan has called on the Super Eagles’ coaching crew to be thorough and objective in their assessment of goalkeepers ahead of next month’s crucial CAF World Cup playoffs.
Akpan, who represented Nigeria at youth level and later in the senior team, stressed that the stakes are too high to rely on reputation or past performances when deciding who guards the posts in the decisive games.
Read Also: Chris Green Rallies Nigerian Clubs For Continental Push As Rivers United Draw “Group Of Champions” In CAF CL
He said Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie have all shown good form for their clubs in recent months — but insisted that “consistency and match sharpness” should be the ultimate criteria.
“The World Cup playoffs are not the time for experiments,” Akpan said. “The coaches must assess who is in the best mental and physical state. It’s not just about talent — it’s about readiness, composure, and the ability to handle pressure in a neutral venue.”
Nigeria will face Gabon in their first mini-tournament fixture in Rabat, Morocco, before potentially meeting either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.
Akpan noted that with the fixtures being played away from home, concentration and communication will be key for whoever gets the nod in goal.
He also praised the recent improvements seen in Nwabali’s command of his area and distribution at Chippa United, while commending Okoye’s resurgence in Serie A. However, he warned that the coaching staff must look beyond club performances and judge who can handle the magnitude of the moment.
“The goalkeeper’s role is crucial — one save or mistake can decide everything,” he said. “All four goalkeepers are capable, but this is about who steps up when it matters most. Nigeria must go for the safest hands, not the most popular name.”
