Sodje: Nwabali’s overconfidence could cost Super Eagles World Cup playoffs
Former Nigeria defender Sam Sodje has warned that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is becoming “overconfident” and could soon make a costly mistake if not managed properly.
Speaking on Brila FM’s No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze, Sodje said Nwabali’s recent attitude and on-field demeanor suggest a fine line between confidence and complacency.
“He’ll do something stupid soon” – Sodje
“When you have players like Stanley, the way he plays, talks and carries himself, there’s a difference between being confident and having a bad attitude,” Sodje said.
Nwabali told his attitude could cost Nigeria World Cup qualification – Getty image
“He’s been giving us signs that he’ll do something stupid soon. This is where a psychologist comes in.”
Calls for early intervention
The remarks come amid rumours that head coach Eric Chelle is weighing alternatives in goal ahead of November’s 2026 World Cup playoffs.
Nwabali has faced criticism over recent errors that have directly led to goals, raising doubts about his form and focus.
“If the coach feels like Stanley will cost us the game, it’s better to make the change now before it’s too late,” Sodje added.
Nwabali, who rose to prominence during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, remains Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, but growing criticism suggests his position may no longer be untouchable.
