Austin Eguavoen cautions Stanley Nwabali over one aspect of his game

By Asuquo

Posted on September 12, 2024

Austin Eguavoen has voiced his displeasure with a recurring issue in the game of Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali—time wasting.

Despite escaping a booking in Nigeria’s recent goalless draw with Rwanda in Kigali, the Chippa United shot-stopper has drawn attention for this habit, which has become a significant concern.

Nwabali, who plays his club football in South Africa, has earned a reputation for receiving yellow cards due to time-wasting tactics, a trend noticed both at his club and the national team level. Last season, he accumulated 11 yellow cards in 26 league games for Chippa United, alongside two more during Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 campaign.

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When questioned after the Rwanda match about whether time-wasting was a strategic move by the Super Eagles, Eguavoen made it clear that it was not part of the game plan. “I don’t encourage such,” the coach stated. He added that while Nwabali remains one of Africa’s top goalkeepers, delaying play can be counterproductive as it often irritates officials and leads to additional stoppage time.

Eguavoen confirmed that the issue would be addressed within the team, ensuring that such antics do not persist in future games. Nwabali, who has kept six clean sheets in 11 competitive matches for Nigeria, is set to return to action with Chippa United in the Premier Soccer League against Orlando Pirates on September 18.