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Nwabali Appears Good Enough To Start For Super Eagles Against Russia On Tuesday
Back-to-form Chippa United of South Africa goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali appears good enough to start for Nigeria against Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly match between both nations.
Sports247 gathered that, although many Nigerian football fans slammed Nwabali for letting in three goals during last Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier defeat away to Guinea-Bissau, Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle is keeping faith with him.
A strong hint in this direction emerged from reports citing Nwabali in training with the Eagles on arrival in Moscow ahead of Tuesday’s game, which comes exactly a week after the Nigerian team’s ignominious 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau, who now top their qualifying group with six points.
The friendly with Russia was initially meant to help Chelle test new players ahead of the resumption of AFCON 2027 qualifiers in November, but the report from the team’s camp in Moscow indicates that the Franco-Malian tactician will now count on some of his established regulars for Tuesday’s game.
Information provided by the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed that Nwabali was one of prominent Eagles’ players who were involved in the team’s first training session ahead of Tuesday’s game.
The report disclosed, “The Super Eagles have had their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod, as they prepare for Tuesday’s international friendly match against Russia’s senior men national team.
“The group of 17 players that trained on Saturday included 101-cap Moses Simon, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Benjamin Fredricks and Emmanuel Fernandez, as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams.
“The team will have two more training sessions on Sunday and Monday before the encounter (which is scheduled to take place) at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday evening.
“On 6 June last year, Russia and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, with the Russians going in front through an own goal by defender Semi Ajayi, before Tolu Arokodare levelled for the Super Eagles.”
Sports247 gathered further that, while Nwabali appears set to start the game on Tuesday, he will likely bow at half time and give way to Charlton Athletic of England’s new signing, Arthur Okonkwo, who is the preferred first choice of many Nigerian football fans.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.
He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.
Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.
"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."
Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.
Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.
He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."
Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.
2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas
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