SUPER Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has stirred controversy on social media after posting a cryptic message days following his on-field clashes with teammates during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo.
News Point Nigeria Sports report that the message, shared on his Instagram story on Friday, read:“I never fake care anyone. What I give, I give from my heart. Choose a good heart. People change so fast…King VO9.”
Though brief, the post has sparked widespread speculation about underlying tensions within the Super Eagles’ camp, particularly given the timing, coming just days after visible disagreements between Nwabali and key teammates during the World Cup qualifier.
The 28-year-old Chippa United goalkeeper was seen shoving midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who had tried to calm him after an altercation with a Benin Republic forward. Later, as the players headed into the tunnel at halftime, Nwabali was spotted engaging in a heated exchange with defender Calvin Bassey.
Although Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick stole the headlines as Nigeria sealed qualification for the next round of World Cup playoffs, cameras also captured moments of unease involving Nwabali sparking debates among fans and pundits over his temperament and leadership.
While many interpreted the post as a veiled response to critics or teammates, the closing line “King VO9” has also been read as a gesture of solidarity with Osimhen, whose jersey number and initials match the tag.
However, insiders told News Point Nigeria Sports that there may be “growing tension” in the dressing room, with some senior players reportedly uncomfortable with Nwabali’s “overly emotional” reactions on the pitch.
“He’s a passionate player who sometimes takes things personally,” a team source said. “But there’s no major rift, it’s just emotions running high after tough matches.”
Nwabali has been under intense scrutiny since his heroics at AFCON 2024, where he emerged as one of Nigeria’s standout performers. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, with costly errors in Nigeria’s 2–1 win over Lesotho and flashes of frustration against Benin Republic.
Sports psychologist Dr. Ifeanyi Eze said players often carry unseen burdens: “Athletes are human. When you combine grief, public criticism, and pressure from fans, it can take a toll mentally and emotionally.”
Meanwhile, Maduka Okoye, the Udinese shot-stopper, is set to make his long-awaited return to club action after serving a two-month suspension for betting-related violations.
The 25-year-old, who was a regular before his ban, is reportedly back in contention as the Serie A side resumes domestic duties. His return has reignited conversations about Nigeria’s goalkeeping pecking order ahead of the crucial World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon in November.
However, head coach Eric Chelle is unlikely to make any drastic changes before November’s playoff tie.
Sources suggest any reassessment of the goalkeeping hierarchy will likely come during December’s pre-AFCON training camp, when Chelle and his technical team will evaluate both Nwabali and Okoye more closely.
With Nigeria chasing a sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, insiders within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) say Chelle’s priority is maintaining squad unity and stability.
“Chelle won’t want distractions now,” a team official told News Point Nigeria. “He’s focused on preparation, discipline, and mental resilience not personality clashes.”
For Nwabali, the cryptic post may have been nothing more than a personal reflection but in the glare of Nigerian football, every word counts.