The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended financial support of ₦20 million to Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, following the loss of both his parents within a span of just over a month.
The fund will be officially delivered by the NFF’s Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, during the burial rites scheduled for 6 and 7 June 2025 in Okwuzi, Rivers State.
Nwabali’s father, Chief Godspower Onyekam Nwabali, passed away in mid-November at the age of 72, just a day after the shot-stopper featured in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Benin Republic during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
His mother, aged 63, died on New Year’s Day, only weeks later, just ahead of another qualifier against Rwanda.
The NFF’s financial gesture is a mark of respect and solidarity for the 28-year-old goalkeeper, who showed exceptional professionalism by remaining in camp during the tragedies.
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 see you again. Different kind of pain I never wish for my enemy🥲.
6th and 7th of June 2025. #rip #mom #dad #nwabali pic.twitter.com/yUNkq8qBsA
— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) May 30, 2025
Nwabali’s story has been both heartbreaking and inspiring. In 2024, he rose from relative obscurity to become Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) — earning plaudits for his composure and commanding performances.
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Initially scouted by then-manager José Peseiro, Nwabali debuted in a pre-AFCON friendly against Guinea and went on to displace Francis Uzoho as the number one shot-stopper, a decision later upheld by successor Finidi George.
Born in Rivers State, Nwabali started his professional career with Go Round FC, before moving through Enyimba, Katsina United, and Lobi Stars.
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His switch to South Africa’s Chippa United proved pivotal, as he developed into one of the continent’s most consistent goalkeepers.
The upcoming burial of his parents will bring together friends, family, and representatives from Nigeria’s footballing community to honour the lives of Chief Nwabali and Madam Nwabali, who both passed at pivotal moments in Nwabali’s career.
