Odumodublvck Backs Nwabali as Super Eagles No. 1 Despite Fan Criticism

Stanley Nwabali has faced rising criticism from some Nigerian fans in recent weeks, but Afrobeats star Odumodublvck has stepped forward to defend the Super Eagles goalkeeper and urge supporters to remain patient.

Nwabali has been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper since breaking into the squad before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His arrival ended years of uncertainty in the position, and after his strong AFCON performances, he was linked with clubs in Europe and top African sides. But a few recent shaky moments — none leading directly to goals — have sparked calls from some fans for coach Eric Chelle to replace him with Maduka Okoye.

Odumodublvck, a passionate football follower, dismissed those calls and argued that even legendary goalkeepers were not perfect. “This guy is everything you need in a goalkeeper. Big, strong, good with his feet and hands, and distribution wise… You cannot say he is easy to beat,” he wrote on X. He admitted Nwabali can be “erratic,” but compared him to greats such as Fabien Barthez, Oliver Kahn, Bruce Grobbelaar, and René Higuita, adding, “I love his personality… my number 1.”