Dosu: Nwabali ‘Crazy but Diligent’ for Super Eagles
Former Nigerian goalkeeper Joseph Dosu has offered a candid assessment of Super Eagles shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali, describing him as ‘crazy’ at times but ultimately diligent in his role for the national team.
Nwabali, who captains South African club Chippa United, has often drawn criticism for his antics during matches, including confrontations with opponents and time-wasting tactics that have earned him cautions from referees.
He was booked twice at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third.
Despite those criticisms, Dosu, a member of Nigeria’s historic gold medal-winning team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, praised Nwabali’s composure and ability to produce decisive saves. He stressed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle values bold and fearless goalkeepers, a category into which Nwabali fits.
‘The first time I saw his picture was with my elder brother, who was the goalkeeper coach of Go Round. He said, ‘This guy is tall and huge, and he’s a good goalkeeper for the future.’ He also said he brings his head down and that he would surely be in goal for the national team,’ Dosu recalled on ThePlayzone podcast.
He added: ‘The most important thing is, first of all, what did Super Eagles coach Eric say about him? He said he likes a goalkeeper who is crazy. Whatever we say is not important. He wants goalkeepers who talk to their defenders and opponents and put fear in them.
‘So, in terms of his job, is he doing it right? Yes. Maybe he tries to overdo it at times, but he’s doing his job diligently as a goalkeeper, stopping goals when he’s supposed to. He’s not a bad goalkeeper.’
