The Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has excused first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from Monday’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Rwanda due to the loss of his father.
Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed the decision, stating: “He has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his teammates on.”
VANGUARD reports that the 27-year-old goalkeeper announced the passing of his father, Chief Godspower Onyekam Abali, also known as Chief Onyeogazrim I of Okwuzi, on Friday via social media.
Chief Abali, a former chief surveyor, died at the age of 67.
With Nwabali unavailable for selection, the battle for the starting goalkeeper spot in Monday’s fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium now lies between Maduka Okoye, who plies his trade in Italy, and Amas Obasogie, who plays in Ethiopia.
