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Former Nigeria goalkeeper Dosu Joseph has insisted that the biggest obstacle facing local players is a lack of confidence and opportunities from coaches.
Speaking on the state of goalkeepers in Nigeria, Dosu emphasized that talented goalkeepers can be found in the NPFL, NNL and NLO.
According to him, local goalkeepers are capable of excelling at the highest level once they have the opportunity to prove themselves.
“There is a lot of talent when we talk about goalkeepers in Nigeria, not only in the NPFL but also in the NNL and NLO. It all depends on the coach’s confidence in the local goalkeepers.
“Once the coaches trust them and give them opportunities, they will surely do well,” Dosu said.
He noted that many coaches are often reluctant to select goalkeepers who play in the national league, despite their quality and potential.
“The fear of using NPFL goalkeepers has always affected the selection of coaches.
“I think Nigeria has good goalkeepers both at home and abroad, but it has always been difficult to give opportunities to those who play at home,” he added.
Dosu also praised former Super Eagles coaches Sunday Oliseh and the late Stephen Keshi for their willingness to trust national league players.
According to him, Oliseh once fielded as many as six NPFL players in a single match, while Keshi’s faith in local talents played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 AFCON.
“It’s about belief. Once you believe in a player, be it a fielder or a goalkeeper, just give him the opportunity to play and show his talent. There are good goalkeepers in Nigeria,” Dosu said.
Nigeria has produced several outstanding goalkeepers over the years, with legendary former Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama starting his career in the NPFL.
Also read: Ex-Enyimba Star slams player selection after Eagles CHAN exit
Nigeria’s current first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, also emerged from the domestic league.
The country continues to witness the rise of promising young talents, including Ebenezer Harcourt.
Harcourt made history by becoming the youngest player to represent Nigeria at the age of 15 after playing his first international match during CHAN 2024.
He was also part of the Nigeria team that finished third at the 2025 African Under-20 Cup of Nations.
At club level, the 16-year-old goalkeeper helped Sporting Lagos gain promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League this season.
