Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended Stanley Nwabali following criticisms that trailed the goalkeeper’s recent performance for the team.
Nwabali, who plays for South African club, Chippa United put up a shambolic display in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday nine encounter against the Crocodiles of Lesotho this month.
The 29-year-old was also involved in a bust-up with some of his teammates in the Super Eagles last outing against neighbours Benin Republic.
Chelle however said he has total confidence in the former Enyimba goalkeeper.
“Nobody know what I ask from my players. Sometimes they make mistakes, which is normal . May be I told Nwabali to be strong. I don’t want a nice guy in my team,” Chelle said in an exclusive interview with Super Eagles legend, Segun Odegbami on Eagle7 103.7FM.
“I played with a goalkeeper during my active days, a Serbian goalkeeper. This guy was crazy on the pitch, because he was crazy, we the defenders were also crazy too.
“I want a player with top character, I know that sometimes he needs to relax, the reality is that Stanley gives everything on the pitch for the team, and the country.
“Sometimes he made some mistakes, but is normal, but the reality is that he gives everything on the pitch.
“All the players fight on the pitch, and will continue to give their best. I agree with you that Nwabali needs to be calm at times. The reality now is that we must have a game against Gabon.
“We will bring in the best players, Stanley, may be the other goalkeepers, the best players will be invited for the game.”
