…they are nice guys, Nwabali hails Uzoho, Obasogie
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has admitted that conceding goals weighs heavily on him, Bold Sports reports.
Despite Nigeria winning their opening two group matches against Tanzania and Tunisia at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Chippa United shot-stopper has conceded three goals in those fixtures. This contrasts with his impressive showing at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he conceded just once in his first five appearances.
At the current tournament, the Super Eagles have let in goals even while in comfortable positions, resulting in nervy finishes to matches that initially appeared well under control.
Speaking after Saturday’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper said the aim going into every match is to keep a clean sheet, but acknowledged that modern football has made that increasingly difficult.
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“In the first and second games, we wanted to keep a clean sheet, but football has improved a lot,” Nwabali told reporters. “Everyone wants to win and teams are always looking to upset the favourites. Our wish is always to keep clean sheets. It pains me a lot when we concede, but we keep going as a team.”
Nwabali was a major doubt ahead of the tournament after Chippa United head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi revealed days before AFCON that the goalkeeper was still recovering from the injury he sustained during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers in November.
However, the 29-year-old recovered in time to earn a call-up, feature in Nigeria’s final pre-tournament friendly, and start the Super Eagles’ first two matches at the competition. He credited the medical team for his timely return to fitness.
“I was injured, but with the help of the team doctors and the physios, I was able to get back on the pitch and play,” he said. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m grateful for the support I received.”
The goalkeeper also praised his fellow shot-stoppers in the squad for their encouragement and unity, singling out Francis Uzoho, who was recently recalled to the national team.
“They are very nice guys,” Nwabali added. “My first AFCON was with Francis (Uzoho), and he’s someone I really enjoy working with. I’m not even talking about Ama (Obasogie), because I knew him from the NPFL before we both left the country. These guys are amazing. They are like family to me. We support each other – no bad thoughts, no bad energy.”
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