Head coach Augustine Eguavoen has granted Stanley Nwabali compassionate leave from the Super Eagles’ squad, allowing him to mourn the loss of his father, Godspower Onyekam Abali, who passed away on Friday at the age of 67.
Cyber Reporters recalls that Nwabali announced the sad news on his social media handle, and team administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed that the goalkeeper has been excused from Monday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
However, Nwabali will still show his support for his teammates by attending the match as a spectator.
“He has been excused from the game, but he will come to watch the match and cheer his teammates on,” Achor said.
In Nwabali’s absence, the battle for the number one jersey will be between Maduka Okoye (Italy) and Amas Obasogie (Ethiopia) at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Super Eagles face Rwanda in their final qualifying match on Monday, and Eguavoen will rely on his remaining squad members to secure a positive result.
