Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has insisted he has no issues with Nigeria’s defence despite conceding two goals in the team’s 3-2 victory over Tunisia at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Chippa United shot-stopper endured a difficult outing, looking uncertain at different stages of the match, a display that has sparked renewed debate over his role as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He appeared slow to react to Tunisia’s opener and was involved in a few questionable decisions during the encounter.
Despite those moments, the Super Eagles secured all three points and sealed qualification for the knockout stages, having scored three goals before conceding.
Victor Osimhen, Wilfried Ndidi and Ademola Lookman were on target for the three-time African champions, while Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi scored for the Carthage Eagles.
Speaking after the match, the 29-year-old expressed disappointment with his showing but insisted improvement would come as the tournament progresses.
“No problem with the defence. In a tournament like this you are bound to concede goals. Even the best team in the world concedes goals.
“First game, second game, we tried to keep a clean sheet but you know football has improved a lot, it is not something you just go and come out and play, everyone wants to come”, Nwabali admitted.
“So, we really don’t wish to concede. We really wish to keep a clean sheet. It pains me a lot when I concede but we keep going as a team.
You know set pieces are something you can’t correct, it happens. We scored with set pieces and they scored back with set pieces,” the Chippa United goalkeeper continued.
“Yeah, we try to win today but you can’t correct certain things. Sometimes you try to correct some certain things about set pieces but probably this is what they do most, try and get a lot of set pieces but we try to deal with some, and probably we concede with maybe one or something.
On Tunisia’s first goal of the clash, Nwabali revealed he was carrying an injury during the game.
“I was injured but with the help of the team doctors and the physio, I was able to stand on the pitch to play.
“It’s quite tough for me because it is not everything you come out to say, so most of the time whatever thing you see online, yeah it’s true. I am always a strong man so I try to represent my country”, Nwabali added.
He also praised the unity within the Super Eagles camp and the support he receives from his teammates.
“They are such nice guys, my first AFCON was with Francis, he is one guy I wish to work with.
“These guys cover me, we cover each other. No hard thoughts, no bad energy, I really wish a lot of people would learn from these guys”, the Super Eagles shot-stopper concluded.
Nigeria will face Uganda in their final group match on the 30th at the Fez Stadium, with the Super Eagles aiming to make it three wins from three in the group stage.
