Super Eagles Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali Mourns the Loss of His Mother, Just Weeks After Father’s Death
Stanley Nwabali, the 28-year-old goalkeeper for Nigeria’s national football team, has faced another devastating blow, losing his mother just weeks after the death of his father.
Gists9ja reports that Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on social media, posting a simple yet emotional tribute: “RIP mom, worst year of my life already,” on X (formerly Twitter). Prior to revealing his mother’s passing, Nwabali had written, “A very very crazy world indeed,” a reflection of the emotional toll he has been enduring.
Tragedy Strikes Twice in Quick Succession
The tragic news comes barely a month after Nwabali’s father passed away during the international break in November. His father’s death occurred just hours before Nigeria’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match against Rwanda. Despite the personal grief, Nwabali played in the opening match against Benin but was excused from the team camp afterward to mourn his loss.
The Super Eagles ultimately lost 2-1 to Rwanda, marking a particularly challenging period for both the team and Nwabali on a personal level.
A Year of Achievements Amid Heartache
Adding to the emotional weight, Nwabali’s mother’s passing came just hours after he posted a reflective video on social media, looking back on his successful year.
2023 had been a remarkable year for the goalkeeper. Nwabali played a key role in the Super Eagles’ silver medal finish at the AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire and helped secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON with a game to spare. He also had an outstanding season with his South African club, further cementing his reputation as a dependable goalkeeper.
Despite these achievements, Nwabali is now enduring the profound grief of losing both parents within a short span. The goalkeeper continues to receive heartfelt support from fans and teammates as he navigates this incredibly difficult period in his life.