The defence needs to protect him - Bonfrere urges Super Eagles to cover Nwabali to avoid costly mistakes

Former Super Eagles coach Jo Bonfrere has issued a strong warning to the Super Eagles, emphasising the need for the entire team to provide better protection for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Bonfrere cautioned that leaving Nwabali exposed could lead to "careless" goals, potentially jeopardising Nigeria's chances of securing a spot in the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Speaking from his home in the Netherlands, the 79-year-old tactician emphasised that goalkeepers are more prone to making critical errors when subjected to excessive pressure from opposing attacks.

According to the veteran coach, defensive duties are a collective responsibility that extends beyond the backline. He insists that a coordinated team effort is essential to shield Nwabali from being overwhelmed during matches.

"It’s important to get the defence to protect the goalkeeper effectively," Bonfrere said.

He continued, "This is not only for the defenders but every player, defenders, midfielders, attackers, they must come back on time to help defend, the same way defenders help out during attack."

He added that this disciplined approach must be ingrained in the team during training sessions.

"The manager must instruct the players on what to do, and they must practise it. The team must be well organised. When you expose the goalkeeper too much and he faces too much pressure, he’s bound to make mistakes, and that could be costly for the team."

Nwabali has recently faced scrutiny for several errors, most notably in Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Lesotho. Bonfrere believes that improved team coordination is the solution to preventing such lapses.

Jo Bonfrere is celebrated as one of Nigeria's most successful foreign managers.

He famously led the "Dream Team" to an Olympic gold medal in 1996, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Argentina in the final. Four years later, he guided the Super Eagles to a silver medal finish at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).