‘We needed a fourth goal’ - Nigerian journalist slams Nwabali claims he saw him wasting time

The Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive with a dramatic 4-0 victory over Benin in Uyo on Tuesday. 

Nigeria's path to the next round was on the brink of collapse despite a hat trick from star player Victor Osimhen. 

However, a spectacular 90th-minute volley from Brentford's Frank Onyeka rekindled their hopes at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, securing them a place in the World Cup playoffs.

Udoh spoke about Nwabali’s time-wasting tactics during the game, when Nigeria needed a fourth goal to make the playoffs.

"The goal was very important," Udoh stated on ESPN FC. "It did look, for some minutes, that the players were not aware they needed a fourth goal."

He noted concerning signs from the team, adding, "I saw the goalkeeper (Nwabali) wasting time a little bit. 

“I don't know whether they knew or not, so I texted someone on the bench to tell the guys that we needed a fourth goal."

Ultimately, the message got through. "We got the fourth goal, and in the end, that single strike was enough for the Super Eagles to edge Burkina Faso and move on to the playoffs," Udoh confirmed.

Nigeria finished with 15 points and a +7 goal difference, narrowly pipping Burkina Faso, who also had 15 points but a +6 goal difference.