Nigerian football fans have urged Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to ‘calm down’ as the team touched down in Uyo ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday.
The Chippa United shot-stopper was captured arriving at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday, where fans could be heard repeatedly calling on him to ‘calm down’.
The video, posted by Ademola Victor TV, showed Nwabali walking through the terminal with team officials and luggage, as supporters tried to cheer him while expressing concern over his recent performances.
The scene followed a turbulent few days for the Super Eagles, who experienced a mid-flight emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, after a cracked windscreen forced their chartered aircraft from South Africa to make an unscheduled stop. The team eventually continued their journey safely and arrived in Uyo later than expected.
Nwabali, who emerged as one of Nigeria’s standout players at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, has recently come under heavy criticism following a string of unconvincing performances during the World Cup qualifying campaign.
His struggles first came to light in the 1–0 win against Rwanda in Uyo last month, where he received a yellow card after a reckless challenge on an opponent.
The 28-year-old further attracted scrutiny during Nigeria’s 2–1 win over Lesotho last week.
With the Eagles leading comfortably, Nwabali fumbled a cross that allowed Hlompho Kalake to pull one back for the hosts in the 83rd minute.
Moments later, a miscommunication with defender Semi Ajayi almost gifted Lesotho an equaliser, leaving fans frustrated by what many described as overconfidence and lack of focus.
Amid growing calls for his replacement, the video from the airport sparked another round of mixed reactions. While some supporters showed sympathy and urged patience, others insisted the goalkeeper should be dropped for Tuesday’s crucial encounter.
Prominent Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck was among those defending the goalkeeper, describing him as ‘an amazing goalie’ and ‘the best since Enyeama’.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), he added, ‘Who no dey make mistake? With him, I am confident. Make una go sleep’.
Similarly, user Onah Kosisochukwu called for empathy, suggesting that Nwabali’s recent errors were likely the result of anxiety rather than incompetence.
‘Two errors, possibly from anxiety, do not define the work Nwabali has done for Nigeria as a goalkeeper. Show me a goalkeeper without some moments of doubt’, she wrote. ‘Keep your head up, Nwabali’.
Another user, Dr Kelechi Anyikude, condemned the abuse directed at the goalkeeper, calling it ‘distasteful and appalling’. He added, ‘Heads up, Nwabali. I know you will learn from the uncharacteristic mistakes. We are with you’.
Others, however, were far more critical. Commentator Bloke claimed, ‘Nwabali is currently the weapon fashioned against Nigeria’, while Damilola Omo-Odedina argued, ‘It’s time we moved on from Nwabali. He almost caused that second goal towards the end’.
There were also concerns about the goalkeeper’s temperament following the tragic loss of both his parents earlier this year.
Rhyda Antetokounmpo reminded others that grief might have affected his concentration, writing, ‘If Van Dijk and Liverpool can blame form on Diogo Jota’s demise, who is Nwabali not to be affected? He needs love and encouragement. We know his abilities’.
Still, others believe his attitude rather than his goalkeeping is the main issue. Dr George, a football analyst, wrote that the problem ‘isn’t the goalkeeping mistakes’ but ‘the attitude that follows despite the gaffes’, which he described as ‘I can do and undo, and there’s nothing you can do about it’.
Some supporters have called for coach Eric Chelle to consider alternative options in goal, including second-choice keeper Adebayo Adeleye.
‘It’s time to give Adebayo Adeleye a chance’, wrote TheBoluSport.
‘Enough of this overconfidence from Stanley Nwabali. You can’t be toying with people’s hearts with poor performances’.
Echoing that sentiment, sports journalist Quality Quadri described Adeleye as ‘a perfect replacement’ who has ‘the pedigree and character to take over from Nwabali’.
But not everyone agreed. Fellow journalist Faith Oluchi argued that comparing both players was unfair, writing,
‘Even Adeleye knows he can’t lace Nwabali’s boots. Amas Obasogie is better than this, Adeleye. We don’t want a calamity as Super Eagles goalkeeper’.
Calls have also resurfaced for the reintroduction of Maduka Okoye to the national team once his ban ends.
One user, WIZZ POLL, insisted that Nwabali ‘feels indispensable’ and ‘needs serious competition to thrive’, suggesting that Okoye’s return could bring balance to the goalkeeping department.
Despite the divided opinions, many fans still recognise Nwabali’s importance to the Super Eagles’ World Cup ambitions.
The team currently sits third in Group C with 14 points, three behind leaders Benin Republic. A win in Uyo, coupled with a favourable result between South Africa and Rwanda, could see Nigeria seal their place at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their final qualifier, Nwabali’s composure may prove as critical as any save he makes.
