Nwabali Dropped From Nigeria Squad For Friendlies
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been left out of the Nigeria national football team squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan later this month.
Nigeria will face Iran on 27 March and four days later, Jordan, with all matches taking place away.
Nwabali’s omission comes after he parted ways with Chippa United after the January transfer window, leaving him without a club.
The shot-stopper was part of the Super Eagles squad that finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations, securing the bronze medal after defeating Egypt. However, he has since been weighing up his next move while remaining in South Africa.
With Nwabali currently unattached, Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has opted to exclude him from the squad for the two friendly matches.
Instead, Chelle has selected Maduka Okoye of Udinese Calcio, Adebayo Adeleye of Volos NFC, and Francis Uzoho, who plays for AC Omonia.
World Cup disappointment
Nigeria also endured disappointment in their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles finished second in their group behind South Africa, which saw them advance to the intercontinental playoffs. However, they were eliminated by DR Congo, missing out on qualification for the 2026 tournament set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
