Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defender Ola Aina have both been released from the Super Eagles squad for their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.
According to an update from the team camp, Nwabali has been granted leave to attend to family matters following the passing of his father.
Aina is reported to have returned to England at the request of his club, Nottingham Forest. It is understood that the Premier League team asked Coach Austin Eguavoen to release the defender early for their important match against Arsenal, given that Nigeria has already secured their AFCON qualification.
Also, African Player of the Year contender, Ademola Lookman was excused from Saturday’s training session after suffering a knock in Thursday’s game against Benin Republic.
Nwabali took to Instagram on Friday to share a post announcing the passing of the father with a tearful emoji.
The Chippa United of South Africa goalkeeper did not disclose the cause of the father’s death, but wrote “Rest in peace dad.”
Nwabali was in goal on Thursday when Benin Republic held Nigeria to a draw in a qualification game for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Aina also played in the game against Benin.
The Super Eagles have already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite having one game left in the race to the competition. Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will also miss out on the encounter due to an undisclosed injury that ruled him out of Thursday’s clash with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria have 11 points, which put the three-time African champions in unassailable lead of the group, meaning Eguavoen could settle for fringe players who would be looking to prove their mettle with nothing but pride to play for.
