Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed his frustration after conceding two goals in Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday night. 

Nigeria built a three-goal lead in the second half but were pegged back, conceding two late goals in the final sixteen minutes of the match.

After the game, Nwabali voiced his disappointment over conceding goals, emphasizing his commitment to keeping a clean sheet.

“First game, second game, we tried to keep a clean sheet but you know football has improved a lot, it is not something you just go and come out and play, everyone wants to come,” he said.  

“So, we really don't wish to concede. We really wish to keep a clean sheet. It pains me a lot when I concede but we keep going as a team.”

The goalkeeper highlighted the challenges of defending set pieces, emphasizing the need to accept the outcome and the nature of the goals conceded.

“You know set pieces are something you can't correct, it happens. We scored with set pieces and they scored back with set pieces,” he noted.

“Yeah, we try to win today but you can't correct certain things. Sometimes you try to correct some certain things about set pieces but probably this is what they do most, try and get a lot of set pieces but we try to deal with some, and probably we concede with maybe one or something.”

The Chippa United captain also revealed that he sustained an injury after slipping during the first goal but was able to complete the match thanks to the support of the medical team. 

“Yeah, I was injured but with the help of the team doctors and the physio, I was able to stand on the pitch to play,” he added. 

“It's quite tough for me because it is not everything you come out to say, so most of the time whatever thing you see online, yeah it's true. I am always a strong man so I try to represent my country.” 

Nwabali also commended his bond with Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie, calling them supportive teammates whose camaraderie and trust help create a family-like atmosphere within the team. 

“They are such nice guys, my first AFCON was with Francis, he is one guy I wish to work with,” he said. 

“I am not talking about Amas because I knew Amas in the league before leaving the Nigerian League. But these guys are amazing guys, they are like my family, they are like my brothers.” 

“These guys cover me, we cover each other. No hard thoughts, no bad energy, I really wish a lot of people would learn from these guys.” 

Since the start of the tournament, the Super Eagles have yet to keep a clean sheet, conceding three goals in their two matches against Tanzania and Tunisia. 

Despite securing two victories so far at AFCON, the team will be eager to tighten their defense and build a more solid backline as they aim to progress deeper into the competition.

Adeyemi Adewale