Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has granted first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali compassionate leave ahead of Monday’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Rwanda.
The 27-year-old has been excused from the match following the tragic passing of his father, Chief Godspower Onyekam Abali, known as Chief Onyeogazrim I of Okwuzi.
Nwabali’s father, a former chief surveyor, passed away at the age of 67, with the news confirmed by the goalkeeper via social media on Friday.
Read Also: Super Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali loses father
Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor affirmed that Nwabali would not be involved in the game, saying, “He has been excused from the match. However, he will be present at the stadium to support and cheer on his teammates.”
With Nwabali unavailable for selection, Eguavoen now faces a choice between Maduka Okoye, who plays for Italy’s Serie A side, and Amas Obasogie, who is based in Ethiopia, for the starting goalkeeper role in the upcoming match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
 qualifier against Rwanda.){kind=link}