Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has warned that Stanley Nwabali faces a genuine fight to recapture the number one shirt in the Super Eagles, pointing to Maduka Okoye's outstanding form at Udinese as the primary obstacle.

Nwabali, 29, has been without a club for three months following his departure from Chippa United in February. The goalkeeper joined the South African side in 2020 and developed into one of their most important players, with his displays eventually earning him a call-up to Nigeria's senior national team.

Okoye, meanwhile, has been in commanding form in Serie A this season — a run of performances that recently earned him the Udinese Player of the Month award.

Ekpo's verdict on the goalkeeping rivalry

Speaking to Completesports.com, Ekpo acknowledged Nwabali's ability but stressed that prolonged inactivity at club level makes his path back to the Eagles' starting position far from straightforward.