Augustine Eguavoen makes decision on Stanley Nwabali after losing his father

Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has granted Stanley Nwabali permission to leave camp following the death of his father, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nwabali suffered a big heartbreak on Thursday. As after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin, he was greeted by news of his father’s death.

Several Super Eagles stars like William Troost Ekong, and Alex Iwobi have sent Nwabali consolatory messages.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles team and staff returned to Nigeria ahead of their game against Rwanda on Thursday. But ahead of the fixture, coach Eguavoen has given Nwabali permission to go and be with his family in Nigeria.

Unfortunately for Nwabali, even though Nigeria has given him time, it is unlikely that his club Chippa United will give him more time.

In Nwabali’s absence, Udinese star Madula Okoye will likely man the sticks for the Super Eagles on Monday. The former Sparta Rotterdam used to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Nigeria, but he was benched due to his notorious mistakes in goal.

The game against Rwanda is a dead rubber. As such, Eguavoen is expected to use players who have not enjoyed much game time. It will be Nigeria’s final game of the year before they resume the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers next year.