Nigerians Lament as Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Nwabali Swaps Jersey with Onana

Nigerians have trooped to social media to react as Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, swapped his jersey with the Cameroonian counterpart, Andre Onana, after their Round of 16 match that ended 2-0 in favour of Nigeria at the on-going African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Super Eagles defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday as Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, got a brace for Jose Peseiro’s side during their knock-out game.

Nwabali was subbed off for Francis Uzoho after getting an injury about 70 minutes of play in the game, but Onana was unused as Fabrice Ondoa was between the sticks for Cameroon.

Nigerians have been heaping praises on Nwabali who has only conceded one goal at the tournament but critcisised him for the post he made on his X account on Monday.

The 27-year-old posted his picture of hugging Onana after the match, and the video of the Cameroonian goalkeeper’s jersey he swapped with him on Saturday.

Reacting on X, Nigerians were dissatisfied with the action saying it was a bad omen for the Chippa United’s goalie and Super Eagles, as they argued that he was better than Manchester United’s goalkeeper.

Here are some of the comments:

@AGINAS said, “Of all players, na Onana Jersey you go collect. My own be say, just dey fit for next match. We go discuss this Onana jersey issue after we win AFCON.

@xx_zamani wrote, “You collect Onana jersey keh 😭😭 why now.”

“U’re way better than Onana no let’s say because he Dey playfor Man United make u think otherwise,” @gideonjunior_ said.

@ChessLordK posted, “Nwabali please let’s not be unfortunate oo. Throw that thing away oo.”

“Abeg no wear the jersey o until after afcon,” @omojaytee2 said.

“See who you go collect em jersey, person wey u better pass. Before I close my eyes and open am make u don return that jersey now!!!”@kingbollei added.