Stanley Nwabali, the goalie for the Super Eagles, has sparked discussion on social media after making what many perceive to be a subliminal remark about Victor Osimhen.
Days after a contentious on-field incident during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match, Stanley Nwabali posted.
Osimhen, who scored a hat-trick to guarantee Nigeria’s spot in the playoffs, was reportedly the game’s star. Although the Galatasaray striker made headlines, there was conflict in the team elsewhere.
During the match, Nwabali, who has been under fire for his recent performances, was seen to be upset and was seen arguing with teammates Calvin Bassey and Wilfred Ndidi.
After an altercation with a Benin player, Nwabali once shoved Ndidi when the midfielder attempted to reassure him. Later, as the squad left the field at halftime, cameras caught him in a furious altercation with Bassey.
The Chippa United goalie fueled the rumors of discontent on Instagram by posting a mysterious story that said, “I never fake care anyone.” I contribute from the bottom of my heart. Pick a good heart. Humans change so quickly. I think you’re VO9.
Osimhen’s shirt number, “VO9,” is mentioned, which is thought to indicate that the striker is connected to the purported miscommunication within the team.
Fans have already criticized Nwabali’s recent performances, which included a shaky showing during Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho, and demanded that he be benched. Less than four days later, however, head coach Eric Chelle started the goalie against Benin Republic, standing by him and demanding continuity between the posts.
Nwabali has not yet provided an explanation for his post as of this writing. Osimhen, for his part, has said nothing, therefore it is unclear what the message’s actual significance is.
