NFF donates N20M to support Stanley Nwabali’s parents burial

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended a gesture of support to Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with a N20 million donation to assist with the burial arrangements of his late parents.

The federation’s technical director, Augustine Eguavoen, personally delivered the funds to Nwabali on behalf of the NFF—a move widely praised as a show of compassion during the goalkeeper’s time of grief.

Nwabali, who won the hearts of fans with his standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, is mourning the loss of both his parents, who died just weeks apart.

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

Then on January 1, 2025, the 27-year-old announced the death of his mother, Grace Nwabali, aged 63. He took to social media, describing the new year as “the worst year of my life already.”

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

A service of songs took place Thursday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Okwuzi. On Friday, Mrs. Nwabali’s body will be moved from Gbeye Hospital Mortuary in Omoku to her father’s compound, and then to her husband’s residence for lying in state.

The final rites will be held on Saturday, June 7. Mr. Nwabali’s remains will be received by the Okwuzi Council of Chiefs, followed by interment and a reception at CPS Okwuzi, Egbema.