By our reporter 28.12.2025

Super Eagles first choice keeper, Stanley Nwabali has admitted playing with pain at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he has conceded three goals so far.
After the Super Eagles 3-2 win against Tunisia in their AFCON group C tie, Nwabali’s performance came up for scrutiny as fans saw a more subdued display from him.
Nwabali said he’s been nursing an injury, but it was the Super Eagles medical team declared him fit to play. Before the AFCON tournament his coach at Chippa United in South Africa was quoted by the media saying Nwabali was nursing injury and may not be fit to play.
Speaking after the game on Saturday Nwabali said: “I was injured but with the help of team doctors and physios I’m able to stand on the pitch and play.
“It’s quite tough for me because it’s not something you come out to say. But most times what ever thing we see online is true. I’m always a strong man, I try to just represent my country.”
He noted that the team conceding goals was a sign of improvement in football generally.
“First game, second game, we tried to keep a clean sheet but you know football has improved a lot, it is not something you just go and come out and play, everyone wants to score,” he said.
“So, we really don’t wish to concede. We really wish to keep a clean sheet. It pains me a lot when I concede but we keep going as a team.”