Sports
Nwabali Remains First Choice Goalkeeper
In an era when competition for places typically defines elite national teams, the Super Eagles find themselves in an unusual predicament. Their current first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, while impressive, faces little genuine competition for his position a situation that could potentially harm the team’s long-term prospects.
While the national team is spoilt for choice in attack where Osimhen’s absence could see one of Victor Boniface or Taiwo Awoniyi step in and be a worthy replacement, the same can’t be said for the goalkeeper position.
Nwabali, who has kept four clean sheets in 14 league matches for Chippa United this season, has shown remarkable resilience both on and off the pitch. Despite facing personal tragedies with the loss of both parents within weeks – his father in November and his mother on New Year’s Day – Nwabali has maintained his consistency, missing just one of his club’s 15 league games this season.
His performance in the 2-1 win over Golden Arrows in the Nedbank Cup on January 25 further underlined his mental strength. However, questions remain about his availability for the upcoming round of 16 clash against Kaizer Chiefs.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Alloysius Agu believes Nwabali is on track to potentially surpass Vincent Enyeama’s legacy, highlighting the keeper’s excellence at the 2023 AFCON, where he kept four clean sheets in seven games as Nigeria claimed silver.
”Nwabali has done well for himself and the Super Eagles. When you compare him to Vincent Enyeama, you see that both have represented the country with excellence. Nwabali has shown confidence and focus, but there’s still room for improvement,” Agu said in quotes revealed by Sports Ration.
“It’s just a matter of time before Nwabali gets to that level. He has what it takes to succeed if he keeps improving.”
His performances at AFCON 2023 attracted interest from clubs in Europe and the Middle East, but the goalkeeper opted to remain in South Africa, signing a new three-year deal with the Chilli Boys.
However, while Nwabali’s rise has been meteoric, the vacuum behind him raises concerns. His closest challenger, Francis Uzoho, has endured a frustrating season at Omonia Nicosia, making just three appearances and recently suffering an injury setback in a Cyprus Cup match.
The Federal Government has commended Ogun State for its continuous commitment to hosting a world-class National Sports Festival as the event draws closer.
The Organizing Committee (LOC) with the firm support of the NSC officially unveiled Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor of the festival on Wednesday in Abeokuta, in record breaking deal.
Speaking on this feat, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, lauded Ogun State’s dedication to ensuring a seamless and memorable festival, emphasizing the importance of corporate and private sector support in shaping the future of Nigerian sports in line with vision of the NSC.
“The unveiling of Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor for the 2024 National Sports Festival is a testament to the rising confidence of the private sector in Nigerian sports. Ogun State has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment, and this partnership is a step toward elevating the festival to execeptional standards,” Dikko said.
He further underscored the economic and social benefits of the festival, noting its potential to boost tourism, generate employment, and stimulate the local economy.
“Beyond the thrill of competition, the Gateway Games 2024 will drive economic growth, create opportunities for young athletes, and showcase Ogun State as a hub for sports excellence as well as its economic potentials. The National Sports Commission stands fully behind this vision and will provide every necessary support to ensure its success and the legacy of the hosting the games to the state is enduring,” he added.
“This festival is more than just a sporting event, it is a celebration of talent, resilience, and the boundless potential of Nigerian sports. With Ogun State’s level of preparation and the commitment of all stakeholders, I have no doubt that the Gateway Games 2024 will be the most remarkable edition yet,” Dikko stated.
The NSC will indeed continue to collaborate with the hosting state to provides all the enablers to ensure a successful games.
The National Sports Festival ( often tagged the Nigerian Olympics ) is owned by the National Sports Commission, and it is expected to feature over 20,000 participants across the 36 states plus the FCT, with the introduction of Invited Junior Athletes ( IJA ) as the 38th State.
The competition will run from the 16th of May to the 30th of May 2025.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has commended the successful hosting of the inaugural National School Board Games, describing it as a significant step in the advancement of school sports in Nigeria.
The event, which featured chess in its pilot phase, was organized by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Nigeria Chess Federation. With over 300 students from all six geopolitical zones competing in the U-9, U-12, U-15, and U-18 categories, the tournament provided a platform for young athletes to develop critical thinking, discipline, and competitive excellence.
Mallam Dikko, was represented at the event by Mr. Lanre Ogunjobi (Technical Assistant, Strategy & Research) and Barrister Uche George Egbe (Technical Assistant,Legal and Compliance) as well as Mrs Ada Nwachukwu, Zonal Head of the NSC Lagos office
Also in attendance were the Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Mr. Jumiu Alli-Balogun, and the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, both of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.
Delivering the Chairman’s message, Mr. Ogunjobi reiterated the NSC’s commitment to school sports development as a key pillar of Nigeria’s overall sports growth strategy.
His words, “The National Sports Commission remains dedicated to fostering both intellectual and physical sports as part of our broader vision for national sports development. The successful hosting of the inaugural National School Board Games is a testament to our resolve to ensure that every aspect of sports receives the attention and investment required for sustained growth.”
Enyimba International’s head coach, Stanley Eguma, has pointed to a red card issued to one of his players as the primary reason for their 1-0 loss to Bendel Insurance, .
The match, which took place in Benin on Wednesday, saw Enyimba lose after Innocent Gabriel was sent off for a reckless challenge on Kayode Oke of Bendel Insurance.
Eguma acknowledged that both teams played well but noted that being a man down significantly impacted his team’s performance.
”It was a good game, but being a man down made things difficult for us,” he said.
Enyimba will look to bounce back when they face Rivers United this weekend.
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