GOALKEEPER Stanley Nwabali and defender Ola Aina have both been excused from the Super Eagles team that will face Rwanda in Uyo on Monday for the last game of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
According to the update from the team camp, Nwabali has been excused from the team to attend to family matters in the aftermath of his father’s demise.
Aina is said to have returned to England on the request of his club, Nottingham Forest. It was learned that the Premier League side pleaded with Coach Austin Eguavoen to release the defender early for their big game vs Arsenal, since Nigeria’s AFCON ticket has been secured.
Also, African Player of the Year contender, Ademola Lookman was excused from Saturday’s training session after suffering a knock in Thursday’s game against Benin Republic.
Nwabali took to Instagram story on Friday to share a post announcing the passing of the father with a tearful emoji.
The Chippa United of South Africa goalkeeper did not disclose the cause of the father’s death, but wrote “Rest in peace dad.”
Nwabali was in goal on Thursday when Benin Republic held Nigeria to a draw in a qualification game for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Aina also played in the game against Benin.
The Super Eagles have alreadyqualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite having one game left in the race to the competition.
