'I need to have a player with character' — Eric Chelle addresses the calls to drop Stanley Nwabali

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has swung in defence of Stanley Nwabali following the recent wave of criticism against the goalkeeper and calls for him to be replaced between the sticks. 

Nwabali, 29, has been the Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper since his confidence-inspiring performance at AFCON 2023. However, the confidence in him has begun to wane following his recent antics and shaky performances. 

The French-Malian tactician was asked about the criticism against Nwabali in an interview with Super Eagles legend Segun Odegbami on Eagle7FM. Chelle defended Nwabali, stating that he liked that the Chippa United man showed character, noting that mistakes were unavoidable. 

“I prefer to talk about it now. This is the emotion. Everybody talks about emotions. The reality is that nobody knows what I am asking my player,” he said. 

“Maybe I ask Nwabali to be strong. I don't want a nice guy in my goal. I played with a goalkeeper whose name is Vedran Runje. He is a Serbian goalkeeper. The guy was so crazy on the pitch because he was so crazy; the defence – we were crazy too.”

“I need to have a player with character. Maybe sometimes he needs to relax, but the reality is Stanley gives everything for his team, teammates and his country. So sometimes he makes some mistakes, and this is normal, but the reality is he gives everything.

“All the players in this team gave everything, and they will give everything again.”

However, Chelle also admitted that had to know when to show restraint and be calmer.  “He needs some time to be calmer, okay, but the reality now is that we have him against Gabon, and we will go with all the players who can bring something.”

“Stanley, or maybe the other goalkeeper or players. I won't talk about what happened before; this is not important. The most important now is the game against Gabon.”

The calls to try another goalkeeper will only grow stronger with the recent availability of Maduka Okoye, who recently completed his suspension due to betting-related offences.