The reason why the first choice goalkeeper of the senior national team of Nigeria Stanley Nwabali won’t be in goal for the team against Russia in an international friendly game against Russia on Friday has been made known, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Nwabali wasn’t listed in the squad the game against Russia with the duo of Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie getting the nod from head coach Eric Chelle. Nwabali was however in goal in all of the games of the Unity Cup which Nigeria won 5-4 via spot kicks against Jamaica after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
His decision to skip the game has led to so many questions, but a member of the team explained that the Chippa United man was first and foremost excused from the team, because of the burial of his both parents.
He said Nwabali communicated with Chelle before settling for the dates , which ironically is a day just after the game against Russia. Moreso the game will be nothing but a ceremonial game with FIFA not recognizing any games involving Russia due to their current ban from competitive football, due to the invasion of Ukraine by the country’s government.
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In his absence Maduka Okoye is expected to start in goal after sitting out both games in the Unity Cup against Ghana and Jamaica respectively. Obasogie who will join the team in Russia after missing the Unity Cup through visa issues will be his deputy for the game.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
