Kigali, Rwanda – Uncapped Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie don talk say e wan follow di footsteps of Stanley Nwabali, as e praise di Chippa United shot-stopper for his quick rise to stardom.
Nwabali climb sports ladder during di 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where im play big role for Nigeria’s journey to di final. Di Super Eagles’ number one keeper play all seven matches for di tournament, keeping four clean sheets.
Star goalkeeper also shine bright when him save two penalties during di semi-final shootout against South Africa. Dis performance bring am into limelight within Africa.
Obasogie, wey don represent Nigeria 17 times since him debut for 2021, don talk say Nwabali’s journey inspire am well. Him get him first call-up for di newly appointed Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle’s final 23-man squad for di upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
In an interview with TheCable, Obasogie say: “I respect di effort Stanley Nwabali don put to claim di number one shirt. Remember say he also prove himself for di NPFL before e perform well for Chippa United.”
“So being for di Eagles camp na huge opportunity for me. I respect all di players, and di experience go help me grow. I dey train with di mentality say I be Super Eagles goalkeeper and I dey dream of wearing di national team jersey,” he add. “If di chance come to represent Nigeria, I go carry my weight and do wetin I fit.”
Obasogie no dey lone as four other new invitees join di team under Chelle’s first squad. Tolu Arokodare, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Igoh Ogbu also named, while fellow goalkeeper Kayode Bankole dey join dem for im first call-up.
Before di announcement of dis squad, Chelle dey concern about Nwabali’s emotional state wey be cause for di passing of im parents wey happen one after di other few months ago. But dem fears don disappear as Nwabali don join di Nigeria camp on Monday evening for Kigali ahead of di World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
Di Super Eagles currently dey sit for fifth position for Group C, and dem go face group leaders Rwanda for Kigali on Friday, March 21, before dem play Zimbabwe’s Warriors for Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo four days later.
