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Obasogie hopes to emulate Nwabali

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 20, 2025

Uncapped Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of Stanley Nwabali, hailing the Chippa United shot-stopper for his meteoric rise to prominence.

Nwabali shot to prominence on the continent during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a starring role in Nigeria’s run to the final of the tournament.

The Super Eagles’ number one played all seven matches at AFCON 2023, keeping an impressive four clean sheets.

Moreover, Nwabali was also the hero when he saved two penalties during a shootout victory over South Africa in the semi-finals of the tournament.

With 17 appearances so far for Nigeria since his international debut in 2021, Nwabali’s journey to becoming the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper has inspired his new colleague in the national team.

Obasogie, who received his maiden call-up in newly appointed Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle’s final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, told TheCable; “I respect the effort Stanley Nwabali has put into claiming the number one shirt.

“Remember he also proved himself in the NPFL before doing the same at Chippa United.

“So being in the Eagles camp is a huge opportunity for me. I respect all the players, and the experience improves me tremendously. I train with the mentality that I am a Super Eagles goalkeeper and dream of myself putting on the national team jersey.

“If the opportunity comes to represent Nigeria, I aim to play my part and take it fully.”

Obasogie is one of four new invitees in Chelle’s first squad as Nigeria head coach, alongside Tolu Arokodare, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Igoh Ogbu. Fellow goalkeeper Kayode Bankole was also handed his first call-up to the national team.

Prior to the announcement of his first squad, Chelle was reportedly concerned that Nwabali might not be in the best frame of mind due to the traumatic impact of the passing of both his parents in quick succession a few months ago.

However, those concerns have since been put to bed, as Nwabali joined the Nigeria camp on Monday evening in Kigali ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

The Super Eagles, currently sitting fifth in Group C, will face group leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, March 21st before taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo four days later.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 20, 2025