Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali experienced a personal tragedy on Thursday night, as he received the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match against Benin Republic.
Despite his grief, Nwabali displayed incredible professionalism and resilience by continuing to guard Nigeria’s goalpost in the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Nwabali shared the devastating news on his official Facebook page after the match, expressing his anguish and the emotional toll it took on him. “I got a call during the match last night that my dad has gone,” he wrote. “I managed to keep with a broken heart. Rest in heaven, Dad. Oh God, accept his soul.”
The young goalkeeper further explained that he confided only in the Super Eagles’ star striker Victor Osimhen during the match, emphasizing the internal struggle he faced as he continued to play.
Reflecting on the match and the tragic news, the 28-year old expressed gratitude that the Super Eagles avoided a loss. “Imagine losing my dad and the match yesterday; that would have been too much pain. I was disorganized when the news arrived,” he stated. He credited his faith and determination to honour his father for keeping him focused during the challenging moment.
Following the game, Nwabali announced that he would be leaving Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to be with his family during this difficult time. In his poignant tribute, he described his father’s death as a “big blow” to his career but remained optimistic that God would provide him with the strength to move forward.
The Super Eagles have already secured qualification for AFCON 2025, leading Group D with 11 points. Their spot was confirmed after Libya’s victory over Rwanda earlier in the qualifying series. Nwabali’s dedication in the face of personal tragedy underscores his commitment to the team and the sport.
Nwabali’s courage has drawn admiration from fans and teammates alike, with many offering their condolences and support during this time of grief. As the Super Eagles prepare for their next matches, they rally around their goalkeeper, who has shown the strength of spirit both on and off the field.
