Nwabali, Aina Excused from Super Eagles Squad Ahead of Rwanda Clash

Super Eagles stars Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina have been excused from the squad set to face Rwanda in an upcoming fixture. The Nigerian national team prepares for the crucial encounter with adjustments to the lineup.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defender Ola Aina have been granted leave from the Super Eagles squad set to face Rwanda in Uyo on Monday for the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The team has reported that Nwabali has been allowed to leave the squad to handle family matters following his father’s passing.

Aina reportedly returned to England at the request of his club, Nottingham Forest. It was revealed that the Premier League team requested Coach Austin Eguavoen to release the defender early for their important match against Arsenal, as Nigeria had already secured their AFCON qualification.

Additionally, African Player of the Year candidate Ademola Lookman was excused from Saturday’s training session after sustaining a knock during Thursday’s game against Benin Republic.

On Friday, Nwabali shared a post on her Instagram story announcing the passing of her father, accompanied by a tearful emoji.

The goalkeeper from South Africa’s Chippa United did not reveal the cause of his father’s death, but wrote, “Rest in peace dad.”

Nwabali was the goalkeeper on Thursday when Benin Republic secured a draw against Nigeria in their qualification match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Aina also participated in the game against Benin.

The Super Eagles have already secured a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with one game remaining in the qualifiers.