Super Eagles Captain Ekong Defends Nwabali After Antics vs Rwanda: “We Can’t Do Without Him”
- Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has defended Stanley Nwabali after the goalkeeper's antics against Rwanda
- Nigeria face a must-win match against Bafana Bafana on matchday 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
- The Super Eagles will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who got injured during the win over Rwanda
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has defended Stanley Nwabali after the goalkeeper’s antics during the 1-0 win over Rwanda.
Nigeria maintained hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.
Source: Getty Images
New Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare scored the lone goal in the 51st minute after replacing Frank Onyeka in a tactical shift from Eric Chelle.
As noted by The Standard, Victor Osimhen's injury in the first half tainted the win, and also Stanley Nwabali’s dark arts, which nearly got him a second yellow card in Uyo.
Troost-Ekong defends Nwabali
Nigerian national team players landed in Bloemfontein on Sunday evening ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana.
The Eagles must defeat their host to keep their hopes of qualifying for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico alive.
Captain Ekong at the airport in South Africa, as seen in a video recirculated on X by OJB Sports, praised the host as a good team, but the Eagles will be ready.
“It's going to be a great game, we're looking forward to it already,” he said. “They are confident already, Bafana Bafana is a very good team, we are working hard and will be ready for the game.”
The Al-Kholood defender reflected on Nwabali's antics, claiming he is an important player for the team and they cannot do without him.
“He is our number 1, so yeah, of course, we cannot do without him,” he added.
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Nigerians disagree with the captain, not underrating the goalkeeper's skills, but are concerned that his antics will cost the team eventually.
As noted by ESPN, the goalkeeper could have seen red because of his antics if the situation or officials were different, and it would have been justified.
Source: Getty Images
There have been growing concerns from Nigerians ahead of facing South Africa on Tuesday, a match that could end the hopes of qualifying for the World Cup if Nigeria lose.
Fans have called on the team to speak to the goalkeeper as he will face familiar players, many of whom he plays against week in week out at Chippa United.
Bafana Bafana’s squad is dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players, with only a few of their players plying their trade outside the PSL.
Nwabali gave South African player savage look
Legit.ng previously reported that Stanley Nwabali gave a South African player a savage look after saving his penalty during a Premier Soccer League match.
Chippa United faced a questionable penalty after a foul outside the box against Orlando Pirates, and Nwabali stopped Patrick Maswanganyi’s effort.
Source: Legit.ng
