'Eric Chelle shouldn't drop him' - Retired Nigeria international defends Nwabali after Lesotho errors

Retired Nigeria international midfielder Sam Elijah has urged Nigeria’s coaching crew led by Eric Chelle not to drop goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali despite criticism following his performance against Lesotho.

Nwabali, who has been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, came under fire after committing costly errors that nearly denied the Super Eagles victory in their 2–1 win over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Elijah described Nwabali as the team’s 'saving hand' insisting that one poor outing should not erase his previous consistent displays.

"They should not drop him. He has been out saving hands for many matches, they should not crucify him for the mistake he made against Lesotho," Elijah said in an exclusive interview with allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Although they were costly mistakes with the caliber of Nwabali. With his own experience and the kind of goalkeeper he is with his pedigree, he is not supposed to do such mistakes.

"But I will tell you he has experience and with this that happened against Lesotho, I am very sure he would be more careful. For me, he is a very good goalkeeper, I think we should go on with him."

The former Nigerian international also criticized the current Super Eagles squad, saying the players lack the hunger and fighting spirit required to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"I always say that our players in the Super Eagles, to be sincere I will always say my mind, I don't see the fire and zeal in them," Elijah lamented.

"They don't play as players that really want to play for the honour of their country.

"It is like they are just playing football for playing sake and fun. Even their preparation, when they show their preparation, when they are in camp, you don't see that hunger in their face that this match tomorrow against Benin we are going to come out smoking. 

"We are going to win the match 2-0 or 3-0."

However, he urged the players to display greater commitment and determination in their clash against Benin if they hope to secure victory and ensure Nigeria qualify for the World Cup.

"I don't want to be sentimental, I just want to be frank, the boys we need to up our game, if we want to win and qualify for the World Cup.

"Our boys must come out with a different character, not the way we play Lesotho. I don't see the fire in them. We won the match, we thank God but the fire was not there."

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points and must defeat Benin in their final qualifier while hoping South Africa drop points against Rwanda to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com