Julius OkorieSuper Eagles number one goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali,laid his parents to rest at the weekend, even as friends from far and near came to identify with him, in his moment of grief.
The Chippa United of South Africa safehand lost both parents within short intervals.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe father was the first to join his ancestors November last year, before the mother followed suit less that two months afterwards.
The well-attended funeral saw creme dela creme of the sporting fraternity converge on his village, Mgbede community in Egbema Kingdom, Nzeobi Amida in Rivers State, to commensurate with him and pay their last respect to late Chief Nwabali Godspower Onyekamu and Mrs. Grace Nwabali (née Mmai).
In a profound gesture of solidarity, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) contributed N20 million to assist with the burial expenses, a gesture which was hailed by many sports fans with the Glass House getting a pat on the back.
Former Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, delivered the support on behalf of the Federation. Eguavoen who is the current Techinical Director of the NFF said “This is not just a football team — this is a family. “Stanley has given so much to the nation; it’s only right we stand by him in his time of sorrow.” The visit underscored the NFF’s commitment to supporting its players beyond the pitch, reflecting a sense of unity and compassion.
READ ALSO:Super Eagles Goalie Nwabali Mourns Father, May Be Off-Duty Against Rwanda
Former and current players as well as administrators were not missing at the event. Among the long list of sports stakeholders who attended the event include former internaitonal and current Enyimba Chiarman Nwankwo Kanu and Super Falcons number one goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nwabali, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most reliable goalkeepers,captured the nation’s admiration with his stellar performances in continental tournaments and international qualifiers.
His composure and skill between the posts have made him a fan favorite. Recall that his performance at the last AFCON hosted by Cote d Ivoire where Nigeria finished second, fetched him a lot of accolades.
He was not only given a chieftancy title in his home town but also a pround recepient of the naitonal award of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
Super Eagles wlll resume their World Cup qualifying campaign on September 1 when they host Amavubi of Rwanda at the Nest of Champions, in Uyo.
The home tie against Rwanda will be followed by away game against South Africa on September 8. The Eagles will subsquently face Lesotho and Benin Republic respectively.
Super Eagles new coach Eric Chelle has been charged with the responsibility of qualifying the team for the next world cup next year. He has so far supritended over five matches, two cmpetitive matches and three friendlies.
*Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria
*Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe
* Nigeria 2-1 Ghana
*Nigeria 2-2 Jamaica (Unity cup finals 5-4 on penalties)
*Russia 1-1 Nigeria
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
