Matthew Yakubu Eyes Super Eagles Return Amid Nwabali’s Dip in Form

Former Nigeria U20 goalkeeper Matthew Yakubu has set his sights on returning to the Super Eagles as calls grow for new competition in goal amid Stanley Nwabali’s struggles.

Since head coach Eric Chelle took charge in January, Nwabali has remained first choice following his impressive 2023 AFCON campaign. However, his recent poor performances in World Cup qualifiers have raised doubts about his consistency, opening the door for challengers like Udinese’s Maduka Okoye — and now, Yakubu.

Yakubu, who plays for Dukla Banská Bystrica in Slovakia, believes his current form makes him deserving of a recall. “I've already received an invitation in the past, unfortunately, then came the unfortunate injury,” he told Slovak daily Pravda. “People in Nigeria love football... maybe I’ll get that chance again.”

The 26-year-old has been outstanding this season, helping Dukla go unbeaten in 15 league games and top Slovakia’s second division with 39 points. “If we continue as we have been, I'm convinced we'll succeed,” he said confidently.

Born in Zaria and raised by a single mother, Yakubu’s story is one of resilience. “Mom raised all six of us alone… she was very strong, she did it for us,” he said. Initially a striker, he switched to goalkeeping by chance when his team’s keeper missed training.

His performances for Nigeria’s U20s at the 2019 African Games earned him a move to Slovakia’s ŠKF Sereď. Despite battling cold weather and a career-threatening knee injury, Yakubu persevered, settling in Slovakia with his wife and three children.

Now fully fit, he’s determined to earn his long-awaited Super Eagles call-up, saying, “If Dukla and I manage to advance, maybe I’ll get that chance again.”