I'm Learning From Nwabali, Okoye

Nigeria and Fasil Kenema SC of Ethiopia goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie, has exclusively told Completesports.com that he is benefiting from the wealth of experience of Super Eagles’ first and second-choice goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye.

Obasogie, a former Bendel Insurance of Benin shot-stopper in the NPFL, spoke to Completesports.com in Ikot Ekpene, where the Super Eagles are camped ahead of Friday’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo.

He said that the Super Eagles have a history of making it to the AFCON finals and asserted that the current squad would not allow Libya to derail their 2025 AFCON qualification hopes.

Also Read: Onyedika Confident Of Super Eagles’ Success In AFCON 2025, 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

“Stanley Nwabali is a great guy, and so is (Maduka) Okoye. When I see them in between the posts, even before Stanley moved to Chippa United in South Africa, I was always impressed and happy,” Obasogie said.

“We played together in the Nigerian league. He is a goalkeeper who always strives to stay at the top. So, when he went to South Africa, I was very happy for him.

Amas Obasogie (right) and Stanley Nwabali sweat it out in Super Eagles’ training session in Uyo ahead of AFCON 2025 qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya

“You see, we goalkeepers are like brothers in the same family. No matter how far apart we are, whenever we reunite, we recognise each other.

“Stanley Nwabali is a great guy. I’ve always wished him well, even off the pitch. He’s my roommate, and each time I see him, I learn from him. That’s my philosophy—I learn from everyone, no matter who you are. I learn from him, and I also learn from Okoye, another great guy.

“Being around this family is a great privilege for me, and I learn a lot from them.”

Obasogie looked ahead to Friday’s crucial tie against Libya, asserting that the Super Eagles are well-prepared for any challenges the Libyans might present.

Also Read – Troost-Ekong: ‘Eagles Will Triumph Over Libya, But It Won’t Be Easy’

“Everyone knows the situation in the country today. We are prepared to make Nigerians happy with a good performance and victory over Libya on Friday,” Obasogie stated.

“We know that a win on Friday will ease the pressure on Nigerians and lift their spirits. We are determined to make them happy.

“So, we want the fans to come out and support us. Let them give us their full backing, and we won’t let them down.”

Obasogie expressed his confidence in the Super Eagles’ potential victory, stating that he would be overjoyed when the moment arrives.

“I believe the victory is already written. I’ve seen, heard, and read about what our Heavenly Father did for our forefathers—those who played and qualified Nigeria for the Nations Cup and World Cup.

“Our time will not be different. I strongly believe it’s a feeling that will come to pass. We will qualify for AFCON and make Nigeria proud.”

The goalkeeper also praised his former club, Bendel Insurance, his former teammates, and the NPFL for providing the platform to elevate his career.

“I remain grateful to my childhood club, Bendel Insurance, for giving me the opportunity. I am also thankful to the NPFL for creating a platform for Nigerian league players to develop their talents.

“It’s a great privilege. This success is not mine alone but belongs to all my teammates—defenders, midfielders, and strikers—whose combined efforts have helped me reach this level.”

By Sab Osuji in Uyo