Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been plunged into fresh grief after the death of his mother, a tragedy that follows the loss of his father barely two months ago.
The Nigeria international disclosed the heartbreaking news late on Tuesday, describing the emotional toll of being bereaved twice in such a short period.
Speaking about the moment he received the call, Nwabali said “My mother passed away yesterday around 2 a.m. I felt like quitting football. Imagine losing both your parents in just two months.”
The 27-year-old has been a prominent figure for Nigeria in recent months, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper and playing a key role in the team’s recent campaigns.
His rise on the international stage has been accompanied by growing admiration for his calm authority and resilience under pressure, but the latest personal loss casts a shadow over what had been an otherwise uplifting period in his career.
Those close to the national team say the goalkeeper was visibly shaken after learning of his mother’s death, yet he remained with the squad as messages of support poured in from teammates, officials and fans.
The Nigeria Football Federation has not yet released a formal statement, but senior figures within the camp have privately acknowledged the severity of the blow and the need to give Nwabali space to grieve.
The passing of both parents within such a short time frame is a trauma that few athletes are prepared to navigate in the public eye.
Nwabali’s words, in which he admitted that he briefly considered walking away from the sport altogether, underline the depth of the pain he is experiencing.
For a player whose career is built on mental strength and composure, the raw honesty of his comment has resonated widely with supporters across the country.
In Nigeria’s football community, tributes have been swift and heartfelt.
Former internationals, club teammates and fans have taken to social media to express their condolences, many urging the goalkeeper to draw strength from the same resilience that has carried him through high-pressure matches in a Super Eagles shirt.
Several have pointed out that his performances have already made his parents proud, even as he now mourns their loss.
Nwabali’s journey has not been a straightforward one.
He has spoken in the past about the sacrifices required to reach the top level and the importance of family support along the way.
That context makes the double bereavement all the more poignant, with the people who stood behind him through his formative years now gone.
For now, there is no clarity on whether the goalkeeper will take time away from football in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
What is certain is that his situation has placed the human side of elite sport into sharp focus.
Behind the gloves and the floodlights is a young man grappling with grief that no fixture list or training schedule can ease.
As the Super Eagles continue their preparations for upcoming commitments, the thoughts of the squad – and of a nation of supporters – will be with Stanley Nwabali and his family as they come to terms with an immeasurable loss.
