Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has announced the passing of his mother, barely one month after losing his father.
The Chippa United goalkeeper shared the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday evening, writing, “Rip mom,” and calling it the “worst year of my life already.”
Before the announcement, he had posted, “A very very crazy world indeed.”
Nwabali did not disclose details about his mother’s death.
This tragedy follows the death of his father, Godspower Onyekam Abali, Chief Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi, in mid-November. Nwabali’s father passed away just hours before Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda.
“He has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his teammates on,” Super Eagles Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor said at the time.
Nwabali’s father was 67 years old at the time of his death.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper has had a challenging year. Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, gained national attention for his exceptional performance during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout the tournament, helping the team reach the final. Despite his stellar efforts, the Super Eagles lost to hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the championship match.
Fans and well-wishers have taken to social media to send condolences to the goalkeeper during this difficult time.
One user wrote, “Stay strong, Nwabali. We are praying for you.”
Another commented, “Your mom and dad are proud of you. May their souls rest in peace.”
The Nigerian football community has also extended support to Nwabali as he faces these personal losses.
