Coming off the back of winning the Unity Cup in England recently, it has been revealed why Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad.
Nwabali and the Nigeria national team recently lifted the 2025 Unity Cup, a four-team tournament featuring African and Caribbean sides.
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The competition, which included Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, was held at the home ground of Premier League club Brentford FC in London this past weekend.
With Nwabali in goal, the Super Eagles beat Ghana 2-1 in their opening match to reach the final against Jamaica, whom they ultimately defeated 5-4 on penalties to win the title.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Russia on Friday, 6 June at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
However, Nwabali will not feature in that match, as the Chippa shot-stopper has been granted time off to attend to an important personal matter.
According to Nigerian outlet Daily Trust, Nwabali will be attending the upcoming burial rites for his late parents.
Tragically, both of the player's parents passed away in quick succession.
His father sadly passed away in November 2024, and the goalkeeper later announced the passing of his mother on 1 January 2025.
The Chilli Boys number one wrote on Instagram a few days ago: "About time to put my dad and mom to rest. Something I never imagined doing so soon at this point of my life. Difficult to believe I will never set my eyes on you again. It’s a different kind of pain I never wish for my enemy. Thank you for everything.
"Come on the 6th and 7th of June 2025."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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