Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Dosu Joseph has insisted that the biggest obstacle facing locally based players is the lack of trust and opportunities from coaches.
Speaking on the state of goalkeeping in Nigeria, Dosu emphasized that talented goalkeepers can be found across the NPFL, NNL, and NLO.
According to him, home-based goalkeepers are capable of excelling at the highest level once given the chance to prove themselves.
“There is a lot of talent when we talk about goalkeepers in Nigeria, not just in the NPFL but also in the NNL and NLO. It’s all about the coach’s belief in home-based goalkeepers.
“Once 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 playing in the domestic league, despite their quality and potential.
“The fear of using goalkeepers from the NPFL has always affected coaches’ selections.
“I believe Nigeria has good goalkeepers both at home and abroad, but giving opportunities to those playing at home has always been difficult,” he added.
Dosu also praised former Super Eagles coaches Sunday Oliseh and the late Stephen Keshi for their willingness to trust domestic league players.
According to him, Oliseh once fielded as many as six NPFL players in a single match, while Keshi’s faith in home-based talents played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 AFCON.
“It’s all about belief. Once you believe in a player, whether an outfield player or a goalkeeper, just give him the opportunity to play and show his talent. There are good goalkeepers in Nigeria,” Dosu stated.
Nigeria has produced several outstanding goalkeepers over the years, with legendary former Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama beginning his career in the NPFL.
Also read: Ex-Enyimba Star Slams Player Selection After Eagles CHAN Exit
Current Nigeria 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 earning his first cap during the 2024 CHAN.
He was also part of the Nigeria squad that finished third at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
At club level, the 16-year-old goalkeeper helped Sporting Lagos secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League this season.
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