“Play for the badge, not the coach’s nationality” — Stanley Nwabali

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has shared his perspective on the ongoing debate over whether the Super Eagles should be coached by home-based or foreign managers.

Following the unsuccessful appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia and the subsequent interim role of Austin Eguavoen, there has been much discussion about the impact of a coach’s nationality on the team’s performance and player attitude.

Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United, emphasized that players are driven by national pride rather than the origin of their coach.

Speaking to Football Fans Tribe in Uyo, where the Super Eagles recently defeated Benin Republic 3-0 under interim “home-based” manager Eguavoen, Nwabali stressed that the identity of the coach has little effect on the players’ commitment.

He recalled the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Benin Republic a few months ago under then-home-based coach Finidi George during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan.

“Fans will always have their opinions; you can’t change that,” Nwabali said.

“The idea that European coaches are inherently more respected is not accurate. Stephen Keshi, one of the greatest coaches of the Super Eagles, was Nigerian.”

Nwabali continued, “Results will come regardless of who is in the dugout. At our clubs, the nationality of the coaches varies, but it doesn’t affect our performance.

“It’s not about supporting local or foreign coaches; it’s about playing for the badge. We are not playing for the coach; we are playing for Nigeria. The coach is simply an employee.”

He added, “All I can do is wish the coach well. As players, we give our all, irrespective of the coach’s nationality.”