Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has exempted first-choice custodian Stanley Nwabali from Monday’s last 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Rwanda owing to his father’s death.
Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor acknowledged the decision, saying, “He has been excused from the game.” However, the athlete will attend the contest to support his teammates.”
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.
