Nigeria vs Benin: 'We must stick to him' - Dele Aiyenugba names Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper

Former Nigerian international Dele Aiyenugba has thrown his weight behind Stanley Nwabali as the Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper following Nigeria's 3-0 victory over Benin.

Aiyenugba made this assertion while appearing on the AfroSports 2025 Africa Cup of Nations program on Saturday.

Ademola Lookman gave Nigeria the lead with a stunning solo goal in first-half stoppage time, and Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray's new signing, extended the advantage with a well-taken goal in the 78th minute.

Lookman then added his second by heading in a cross from Moses Simon, completing an impressive performance.

Speaking about Nwabali's performance, Aiyenugba praised his two crucial saves in the second half that prevented Benin from pulling one back.

"I think the Super Eagles must stick with Nwabali as first choice because he has done really well for Nigeria. He made two vital saves in the second half that could have levelled parity for Benin," Aiyenugba said.

While acknowledging Maduka Okoye's impressive form with Udinese in Serie A, Aiyenugba believes that Nwabali's current performance has earned him the starting spot.

"Yes, Maduka Okoye has been doing well with his club Udinese in the Serie A, but then I want to believe his time will come," he added.

Aiyenugba concluded by expressing his enthusiasm for the healthy competition between the two goalkeepers, stating that it will undoubtedly benefit the Super Eagles in the long run.

"I love the competition in the goalkeeping department for the Super Eagles, and I know it will be good for the team," he said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will travel to Kigali for the second AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda on Tuesday.