Super Eagles Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has excused first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from the squad set to face the Amavubi of Rwanda in Monday’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Uyo.
The decision comes as Nwabali mourns the loss of his father, Chief Godspower Onyekam Abali, who passed away at the age of 67. The late Chief Abali, known as Chief Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi and a former chief surveyor, was highly respected in his community.
Confirming the development, Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor said, “He has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his teammates on.” Nwabali himself shared the sad news via his social media on Friday, expressing his grief and honoring his father’s memory.
With Nwabali absent, the battle for the number one jersey in the crucial encounter at Godswill Akpabio Stadium will be between Maduka Okoye, who plays in Italy, and Amas Obasogie, based in Ethiopia. Both goalkeepers will aim to impress in what is expected to be a competitive and decisive match as Nigeria concludes its AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles have already secured qualification for the 2025 tournament, which will take place in Morocco, but Monday’s clash offers a chance to solidify team dynamics and give key players a chance to shine. Fans and teammates alike will rally around Nwabali during this difficult time, as the nation bids to end the qualifiers on a high note.
This gesture of support from the coaching staff underscores the team’s commitment to family values and solidarity, both on and off the pitch.
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