AFCON 2025: No bad energy - Nwabali on Super Eagles goalkeeping unity

Stanley Nwabali has revealed his relationship with other goalkeepers in the Super Eagles camp.

The 29-year-old has firmly established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, having displaced Francis Uzoho and Ojo Olorunleke ahead of the 2023 AFCON.

In the current squad, Uzoho and Amas Obasogie serve as backups.

Nwabali stressed that competition has not affected harmony among the goalkeepers.

He said, “My first AFCON was with Francis, and I knew Amas before I left Nigeria. These guys are amazing and they are like my family. We cover one another. There are no bad thoughts or bad energy.”

Nwabali also pointed out that Tunisia’s goals came from areas the Super Eagles were already aware of.

“We scored from set pieces, and they also scored from a set piece. That is probably one of their strengths. Sometimes you can’t correct everything, but we try to deal with it,” he explained.

With qualification already secured, Nigeria will conclude its Group C campaign against Uganda on Tuesday.

It remains to be seen whether head coach Eric Chelle will rotate his squad and give either Uzoho or Obasogie a chance in goal, or stick with Nwabali as the Super Eagles aim to maintain their winning momentum.