Former Super Eagles midfielder Sam Sodje has raised serious concerns about goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s recent attitude and performances, calling for immediate intervention ahead of Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup playoff fixtures.
Speaking on Brila FM’s breakfast show, No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze, Sodje backed head coach Eric Chelle’s decision to consider other goalkeeping options, suggesting that Nwabali’s behaviour could become a liability if not addressed.
“You cannot afford to have a player who disrupts your team’s plans,” Sodje said. “The way Stanley plays, talks, and carries himself shows a difference between confidence and arrogance. He needs to calm down before it’s too late.”
The ex-international urged the team to involve a psychologist, warning that unchecked overconfidence could lead to costly mistakes in key matches.
“He’s been giving us signs that he might do something reckless soon. This is where a psychologist must step in. If he makes an error, the entire team suffers,” Sodje added.
Sodje also criticized Nwabali’s reported clashes with teammates, including incidents involving Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey, saying such behaviour damages team unity.
“You can’t have a goalkeeper acting that way toward defenders or midfielders. Someone needs to talk to him; there’s a fine line between confidence and overconfidence,” he stressed.
The former Portsmouth and Brentford player, who earned five caps for Nigeria, concluded by emphasizing discipline and mental balance as key to sustaining success at the international level.
“He’s a good goalkeeper, but talent without discipline doesn’t last,” Sodje warned.
