Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has spoken candidly about the profound pain of losing both of his parents, with his mother passing away one year ago.  

Reflecting on his loss, Nwabali  told ACL Sports, "I don't want to talk about my parents because tomorrow should be crossover night, right? Yeah. Yeah. Today. Today actually. Today."

He revealed that his mother passed around midday, stating, "My mom died around 12 today."

The goalkeeper described the emotional toll the deaths have taken on him, saying, "All right. So on how I tried to keep a lot of things to myself, try to move on, try to be a strong guy. I was most times I feel like to quit.

"I feel like to quit because my mom is so dear to me." He added, "Really so painful, man. It's really so painful to be talking about my mom today.

"But I feel like it's hurt. Yeah, it's really hurt. I feel like talking a lot, but I feel like talking a lot because I try not to give room for this, but now I'm here."

Nwabali emphasized that the experience is difficult for anyone, not just a footballer, saying, "So, it's not a nice feeling for any soccer player. Let me talk about soccer player human being in general to lose your both parents at the same time."

He further explained the timing of the tragedies, noting, "My dad was last month. one year he died. My mom is today."

Despite the grief, Nwabali has continued his football career, sharing the struggles he faced in trying to stay on the pitch.

"So and I'm standing here playing for playing football. Yeah, it's true. Yeah. Some people move on. Some people some don't move on. I could remember I was talking to my captain Troost-Ekong that I want to leave football. But with the help of some of my teammates, I keep going, bro. It's really hurt."

Wale Adejumo