Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong has dedicated Nigeira's 2-0 win over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers to Stanley Nwabali, who lost his parents between November and January, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwabali had a tumultuous turn of the year, as he lost both his parents within the space of three months. The Chippa United goalkeeper lost his father last November while he was on duty in the last set of games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, which made him leave camp early.
Then, barely six weeks later, on January 1, Nwabali announced the death of his mother in a social media post.
Rip mom, worst year of my life already
— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) January 1, 2025
Fortunately for Nwabali, the South African Premier League was on break, so he had some time to go on a break. The Chippa United star eventually returned to action in South Africa in mid-January.
Nwabali manned the sticks for Nigeria in the 2-0 win over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday. And after the game, team Captain Troost-Ekong had some nice words for him. He dedicated the win to Nwabali following the tough period he went through at the turn of the year.
“I want to dedicate this game from all of us to Stanley who is such an integral part of our team now,” Troost-Ekong said, per Modo Victor.
“He's been through a lot since we last saw him in November, so today's game afterwards, we celebrated it with him because it's not been easy what he's been through. And again like always, today he was fantastic.
“We are one big family and we have to celebrate these moments together and support each other.”
Nwabali became a regular for the Super Eagles last season and he has proven to be most reliable option that Nigeria has between the sticks.
Nwabali has to continue shinning for the Super Eagles
The Super Eagles need Stanley Nwabali to be at the top of his powers for Nigeria, as the team needs him now to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. In the win against Rwanda, he did not have much to do besides one big save.
Next up for Nigeria is a game against Zimbabwe in Uyo. The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in the group, but a win could take them as high as first.
Here’s the updated Group C standings for the World Cup qualifiers!
The Super Eagles climb to 4th place. 5 games left to play and still a long way to go. #SuperEagles #WorldCupQualifiers #SoarSuperEagles #NigeriaFootball pic.twitter.com/tevgIQX4Bt
— Nigeria Football Weekly (@NFWPod) March 21, 2025
It is unlikely that Nwabali will have a lot to do in that game. But his calmness at the goalposts will surely give the defenders some assurance.
