Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has defended Nigeria’s defensive record at the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that allowing goals is unavoidable in high-level tournaments like the one underway in Morocco, following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tunisia that sealed their place in the last 16.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper faced backlash on social media for conceding what fans deemed “cheap goals” in recent outings, but emphasized the evolution of the game since Nigeria’s previous AFCON campaign.
“At tournaments like this, you will be bound to concede goals. Even the best teams in the world do. I don’t think there is any problem in the defence. In our last AFCON, we kept a clean sheet in our second game but football has improved a lot,” Nwabali said after the Group C clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Saturday.
“We really don’t wish to concede, we want to keep clean sheets, it pains me a lot when I concede goals but we keep going as a team. I am really proud of these players so winning today is a big boost for us going into the round of 16,” he added.
Nwabali also revealed he played through injury during the match, crediting medical staff for his perseverance amid the online scrutiny.
“I was injured but with the help of the team’s doctor and physio, I was able to remain on the pitch today. It’s quite tough for me because it is not something that you come out to say. Whatever they say online, I’m used to it. I am always a strong man so I just want to represent my country,” the goalkeeper stated.
Nigeria overcame a late rally from Tunisia to claim the three points, building a commanding lead before conceding twice in the closing stages, but the result ensures advancement with one group fixture remaining.
No immediate changes are expected in the goalkeeping position, as backup Francis Uzoho has also drawn criticism for past errors, leaving Nwabali likely to retain his spot as the Super Eagles chase continental glory.
