Soccer
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has hailed the unity and determination of the Super Eagles following Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
A first-half brace from Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen secured all three points for Nigeria at the Stade Amahoro, with thousands of Rwandan supporters — led by President Paul Kagame — watching on.
After enduring a frustrating run of four consecutive winless games in their World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles responded in style, controlling proceedings from start to finish.
With Nigeria dominating possession and keeping Rwanda at arm’s length, Nwabali had little to do apart from collecting routine saves and sweeping up loose balls.
The Super Eagles knew they needed to beat Rwanda, who entered the international break as joint leaders of Group C.
Rising to the occasion in front of a partisan home crowd, the Nigerian players delivered an assured performance — something that left Nwabali particularly impressed.
Soccer What did Stanley Nwabali say?
Following the victory, the 28-year-old shot-stopper, marking his 18th international appearance with his eighth clean sheet, took to social media to applaud his teammates.
“Solid win and clean sheet. We went for sightseeing. Great team spirit!!!” Nwabali posted on Twitter.
Solid win and clean sheet. We went for sightseeing . Great team spirit!!! #Nwabali #SafeHands #worldcupqualifiers pic.twitter.com/hw5PULTd87
— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) March 21, 2025
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The Chippa United goalkeeper has featured in three of Nigeria’s five World Cup qualifiers so far.
He missed the opening two games — 1-1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe — while Cyprus-based Francis Uzoho was still in goal. At the time, Nwabali was yet to establish himself as the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
However, that changed during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he impressed between the sticks as Nigeria reached the final. His performances cemented his status as the Super Eagles’ number-one goalkeeper, and he retained his place for Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa and the subsequent 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic last June.
With another clean sheet to his name against Rwanda, Nwabali will be aiming to repeat the feat when Nigeria host Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday for matchday six.
A win could potentially lift the Super Eagles into second place in Group C, depending on other results.
For now, though, Nwabali and his teammates can take pride in a job well done in Kigali as they shift their focus to their next challenge.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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