Eguavoen grants Nwabali permission to attend to family duties after father’s demise

• Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been excused from the final AFCON qualifier after losing his father
• Nwabali’s absence follows his announcement of his father’s passing at 67, shared via emotional social media posts
• Maduka Okoye is expected to replace Nwabali as Nigeria faces Rwanda in a dead-rubber match in Uyo

The Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification journey took a sober turn as first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faced personal tragedy following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Benin. 

The Chippa United star announced the passing of his father, Godspower Onyekam Abali, at 67, dampening the celebrations of Nigeria’s secured AFCON spot.

Nwabali, who played an important role in the qualification campaign, shared the heartbreaking news on social media. His first post read, "RIP Dad," accompanied by a crying emoji and a burning candle. This was followed by another tribute: "Rest in heaven," with a broken heart emoji. His late father, Chief Onyeogazrim I of Okwuzi, was a respected figure and former chief surveyor.

In light of the grief, Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen granted Nwabali leave from Monday’s final AFCON qualifying match against Rwanda in Uyo. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed the recent update, saying, 

“He has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his teammates on.”

Some of his teammates like team captain Troost Ekong have sent consolations to the skipper over his loss.

The game against Rwanda is a dead rubber, with Nigeria already assured of their place in Morocco for the 2025 AFCON. The match presents an opportunity for Eguavoen to give less-utilised players a chance to shine. Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye, once Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, is expected to start in Nwabali’s absence. Okoye has had a challenging stint since being benched due to errors in crucial matches, but this game offers him an opportunity for redemption.

The Super Eagles’ campaign has been a mix of triumph and sobriety. While Victor Osimhen’s late equaliser against Benin secured their qualification, the emotional blow of Nwabali’s loss will add some mixed feelings to their journey. As the team gears up for their final game of the year, they will carry both the joy of achievement and the weight of supporting a teammate in grief.

The final game will be against Rwanda in the AFCON competition on Monday, November 18 by 5 pm at the 30,000-capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“Ademola was unstoppable,” Benin’s coach Rohr voices out frustration in Super Eagles last game

Previously, TheRadar reported that Gernot Rohr, head coach of Benin Republic, candidly admitted his squad's inability to contain Ademola Lookman during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday in Uyo.

The Super Eagles’ 3-0 triumph was largely driven by the dazzling performance of the Atalanta winger, who netted twice to secure a dominant victory for Nigeria.