We don't play for the coach — Nwabali adresses local vs international managers

Following the failed appointment of German manager Bruno Labbadia, which led to the interim appointment of Austin Eguavoen, set against the backdrop of Finidi George's resignation and Victor Osimhen's disrespectful rant against the Real Betis legend, select Super Eagles players were asked if they revered foreign coaches differently from local ones. 

The first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was one such player, as was Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface, who Pulse Sports reported to have answered the question, saying they respect managers all the same, and external criticism was inevitable, even if the manager is Pep Guardiola. 

Speaking to the Football Fans Tribe in the Super Eagles camp in Uyo, Nwabali explained that the coach of the Super Eagles matters little to the attitude of the players, as they play for the badge and the country, not the man in the dugout. 

Speaking in Nigerian ‘Pidgin English,’ Nwabali took his shot at the question of the public perception of local coaches. 

He said, “Fans will always have their opinions; you can't change that,” Nwabali said. “You can't tell me the European coaches are more respected—nothing like that. One of the greatest coaches of the Super Eagles is Stephen Keshi, a Nigerian.

“To me, results will come regardless of who is in the dugout. If you check the clubs we play at, the coaches are from the same nationality. It's not about supporting local coaches; it's about playing for the badge. We are not playing for the coach; we are playing for Nigeria, and the coach is a mere employee.

“All I can do is wish the person in charge well, as we the players give our all regardless of the coach's nationality.”

Nwabali is expected to retain his position between the sticks for the AFCON qualifier clashes against Benin Republic and Rwanda.