NFF Donates N20 Million to Support Stanley Nwabali’s Parents’ Burial

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has shown solidarity with Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali by donating N20 million to support the burial arrangements of his late parents.

The federation’s technical director, Augustine Eguavoen, personally delivered the funds on behalf of the NFF, a gesture many have praised as compassionate and timely during Nwabali’s period of mourning.

Nwabali, who rose to national prominence following his standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, is grieving the loss of both parents, who died within weeks of each other.

His father, Chief Godspower Abali, popularly known as Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi, passed away in mid-November 2024 at the age of 67. The news broke just before Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, prompting Nwabali to withdraw from the squad to be with his family.

Tragedy struck again on January 1, 2025, when the 27-year-old goalkeeper announced the passing of his mother, Grace Nwabali, aged 63. In a deeply emotional post, he described the start of the year as “the worst year of my life already.”

The burial rites for both parents are being held jointly in their hometown of Okwuzi, Egbema, in Rivers State.

A service of songs was held on Thursday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Okwuzi. On Friday, Mrs. Nwabali’s remains will be taken from Gbeye Hospital Mortuary in Omoku to her father’s compound before being moved to her husband’s residence for lying in state.

The final burial rites will take place on Saturday, June 7, beginning with the reception of Mr. Nwabali’s remains by the Okwuzi Council of Chiefs, followed by interment and a reception at CPS Okwuzi Egbema.