By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that intensive medical care and close monitoring enabled goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to feature at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, despite earlier reports suggesting he was unfit to participate in the tournament.
Nwabali, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, entered the competition carrying serious injury concerns, including an ankle problem and the need for hand surgery. Doubts were raised about his availability, with even his club coach reportedly uncertain he would make the squad. However, the shot-stopper defied expectations, playing through pain throughout the tournament with the full support of the Super Eagles’ medical and technical teams.
Speaking to reporters after Nigeria’s 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the third-place match at the Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, Chelle explained that the coaching and medical staff worked tirelessly to prepare Nwabali for the competition.
“Nwabali put in a lot of work during this short preparation,” Chelle said. “What happened to Stanley has nothing to do with technical and tactical issues. You have to talk to him to get the best out of him because he is very strong.”
The Malian-born tactician further disclosed that Nwabali often struggled with nerves, shaped by personal challenges, which prompted the technical crew to give him extra attention before and throughout the tournament.
“This guy can do anything for all of the players in the national team and the technical staff too,” Chelle added. “He gives everything in every game. Not perfect, sometimes nervous — but if you’re going to war, he’s on your side. I am very proud of him like the other guys. He deserves this victory.”
As Nigeria’s main goalkeeper, Nwabali performed under intense pressure during the tournament, with every error magnified by public and media scrutiny.
Although he earned praise for a solid showing at the 2023 AFCON, his performances during subsequent qualifiers raised questions about his consistency and decision-making, fueling doubts ahead of the Morocco tournament.
Those concerns were largely silenced in the third-place playoff, as the Chippa United FC of South Africa goalkeeper produced a match-winning performance, saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to earn the Man of the Match award and secure Nigeria’s bronze medal finish.
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