The Super Eagles returned safely to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after Saturday’s mid-air emergency on their ValueJet flight from Angola but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was again the focus of fan reaction.
Video captured by journalist Ademola Victor at the Victor Attah International Airport showed supporters shouting “Nwabali, calm down!” and “No do o, no do o!”.
A stern warning from Nigerian fans who have grown wary of what they perceive as arrogance, overconfidence and unnecessary theatrics from the Chippa United shot-stopper.
Fans at the Airport to Stanley Nwabali
“Calmdown o” pic.twitter.com/pAA82WJi4F— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) October 12, 2025
The chants mirror sentiments that have swept across social media since Nwabali’s error against Lesotho in last week’s 2–1 win, where his fumbled corner led to a late goal before the Eagles rallied to victory.
Super Eagles players and officials leaving the Victor Attach International airport, Uyo. Photo Credit: X
Though Nigeria won, supporters believe the 29-year-old has grown “too comfortable” in goal. Many say his performances in the last two matches have lacked composure, with fans accusing him of showboating and losing focus.
The mood around the team had already been tense following the mid-air incident in Luanda, where the aircraft conveying the Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo was forced into an emergency landing after a cracked windscreen was discovered shortly after take-off.
Cracked windscreen of Valuejet aircraft. Photo Credit: NFF Comms
The team spent hours grounded in the Angolan capital before a replacement plane was sent from Lagos, finally arriving in Uyo at 8:10 a.m. on Sunday.
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Since the retirement of Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria has struggled for a stable pair of hands, from Francis Uzoho’s inconsistency to Maduka Okoye’s dip in form.
Nwabali’s emergence brought brief calm, but his recent mistakes have reopened old wounds.
Stanley Nwabali will have to redeem himself to earn back the trust of Nigerians. Photo Credit: Getty Images
With just one World Cup qualifier left against Benin Republic, the Eagles are under pressure. Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, trailing leaders Benin(17 points) and South Africa ( 15)
Upcoming Fixtures in Group C
Nigeria vs Benin Republic
South Africa vs Rwanda
Lesotho vs Zimbabwe
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These results will be decisive. Only the group winner qualifies directly, with runners-up facing a difficult playoff route.
