‘I don't encourage such’ - Austin Eguavoen plans showdown talks with Stanley Nwabali
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Austin Eguavoen is unhappy with one aspect of Stanley Nwabali's game |Photo Credit: Imago

‘I don't encourage such’ - Austin Eguavoen plans showdown talks with Stanley Nwabali

Asukwo Oduo 11:32 - 12.09.2024

Austin Eguavoen is not particularly happy with one aspect of Stanley Nwabali's game.

Interim Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has expressed his displeasure with one annoying trait of Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The Chippa United goalkeeper escaped a booking in Nigeria’s barren draw with the Wasps of Rwanda in Kigali, but his actions added to a major concern with his game - time wasting.

The 28-year-old shot-stopper has become notorious for a long list of yellow cards he has earned for the same offence. It is believed that Nwabali’s antics were learned in South Africa, where he plies his trade with Chippa United.

The Chilli Boys are well known for utilising delay tactics to see out games, especially when faced with tough opponents.

Last season, Nwabali received 11 yellow cards in 26 league games and 2 in the green and white colours of Nigeria at AFCON 2023

Eguavoen unhappy with Nwabali's time-wasting antics

Nwabali's time wasting antics has raised concerns |Pulsesports.ng
Nwabali's time wasting antics has raised concerns |Photo Credit: Imago

Nwabali’s time-wasting antics were in the spotlight again as Nigeria struggled to a 0-0 draw away from home to Rwanda.

After the match, coach Austin Eguavoen was asked if time-wasting was part of the Super Eagles game plan, to which he responded:

"I don't encourage such; it's something we have to talk about, and we all know he's one of the best goalkeepers in Africa right now." 

Eguavoen further clarified that it was not his team’s strategy to waste time in games and that the measure could even be counterproductive. He said:

"Some officials can get irritated as well and then start to add more minutes. It's not a game plan. I told you before we have come here to get three points so delaying such balls is not the best. It's an in-house talk, and we will discuss going forward; such things will not happen."

Since his introduction as the Super Eagles' number one at the 2023 AFCON, Nwabali has kept six clean sheets in 11 competitive matches for the national team.

Nwabali will be in action for Chippa United when they travel to face Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa on Wednesday, September 18th.   

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