Sports News of Saturday, 18 October 2025

Source: www.dailypost.ng

2026 WCQ: I never fake care – Nwabali tells Osimhen amid clash with Bassey, Ndidi

Stanley Nwabali and Victor Osimhen during the 2023 AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire Stanley Nwabali and Victor Osimhen during the 2023 AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has posted a cryptic message on Instagram directed at Victor Osimhen.

It comes just days after a tense on-field clash involving Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin Republic in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Osimhen scored a hat-trick as the three-time African champions made it into the continental playoffs.

However, there were criticisms aimed at Nwabali and some of his antics, especially after his mistakes in a 2-1 win over Lesotho last week.

While a lot of observers called for Nwabali to be dropped, head coach Eric Chelle kept with him.

But the Chippa United stopper was involved in flash incidents with his own team-mates.

First, he pushed Ndidi who tried to calm him down after he confronted a Benin player.

At half time, as the players trudged off the pitch, he was seen arguing with Bassey.

He has now added a layer to the incident by writing on his Instagram story: “I never fake care anyone.

“What I give, I give from my heart. Choose a good heart.

“People change so fast… I believe you VO9.”