“He’s Becoming Overconfident” — Ex-Eagles Star Sam Sodje Warns Stanley Nwabali Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has voiced concerns over Nigeria’s current first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, claiming the Chippa United shot-stopper is beginning to show signs of overconfidence that could prove costly for the national team.

Speaking on Brila FM’s “No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze,” Sodje said Nwabali’s attitude both on and off the pitch suggests he may be losing focus — a situation that could soon affect his performance if not addressed.

This comes amid reports that head coach Eric Chelle is considering other goalkeeping options ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff matches in November.

Nwabali, who became a national hero during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a string of commanding performances, has recently faced criticism for a series of errors that led to goals in both domestic and international fixtures.

“When you have players like Stanley, the way he plays, talks, and carries himself, there is a difference between being confident and having a bad attitude,” Sodje said.

“If the coach feels like Stanley will cost us the game, you better make the change now before it is too late. He has been giving us signs that he will do something stupid soon. This is where a psychologist comes in.”

Sodje emphasized that confidence is vital for any goalkeeper, but crossing the line into arrogance could damage both personal form and team morale.

💭 Opinion: Nwabali Needs Balance — Confidence Wins Games, But Composure Wins Trophies

Sam Sodje’s comments might sound harsh, but there’s truth in his warning. Stanley Nwabali has been one of Nigeria’s brightest revelations in recent years — a player who rose from relative obscurity to command global attention at the AFCON. His calm presence, strong saves, and leadership made him a fan favorite.

However, football is as psychological as it is physical. When confidence turns into complacency, even the best players stumble. What Sodje seems to be highlighting isn’t an attack on Nwabali’s talent — it’s a reminder that attitude and humility sustain greatness.

Goalkeeping, more than any other position, thrives on discipline and mental sharpness. Nwabali’s recent dip may not be about ability but about mindset — a subtle but crucial difference. The Super Eagles need him at his best, especially as the World Cup qualifiers approach.

In a team full of young stars and big personalities, Nwabali must now prove that he can lead with maturity — not just with his gloves, but with his character. If he can strike that balance between confidence and composure, he won’t just keep Nigeria’s goal safe — he’ll keep his place in history secure.