'Can't be judged by one match' – Ex-Super Eagles defender warns Chelle not to bench Nwabali v RSA

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Elijah has urged head coach Eric Chelle to stick with Stanley Nwabali for Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

The Chippa United goalkeeper faced criticism for his display in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, where he was involved in a heated altercation and escaped a possible red card.

Despite the backlash, Elijah backed Nwabali to retain his place, stressing that continuity and confidence are vital ahead of the high-stakes clash with Bafana Bafana.

"You see for me I think , I don’t think he should be benched because continuity is very important and over the years he has come to prove himself," Elijah told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"He can’t be judged by just a match and I think he should continue. He is a great goal keeper, he has a great confidence, so on my own assessment Nwabali should continue as the number one choice for South Africa game."

The ex-international, however, admitted disappointment with Nigeria’s display against Rwanda and called on head coach Eric Chelle to enforce tactical discipline and improve the team’s approach.

"Football is developing very very fast with our neighboring countries especially in African so that is why I would say thank God we got our 3 point against Rwanda.

"But we think of way forward, against South Africa we cannot afford to play the way we played with Rwanda, there must be a change in our approach in the attitude of the players the tactical discipline of the team must come to play against South Africa.

"The margin between us and South Africa is not that much like in those days and like I said if you look at South Africa league, their football you know is really in the rising and anytime they are playing Nigeria you can see the character you can see the determination," he added.

However, Elijah stressed the need for discipline, hunger, and determination, warning that the Bafana Bafana clash is a ‘must-win’ encounter.

"Yes, my message to the players is there should not be complacency. When you look at Nigeria team players, during our time, you would see it, you see that determination in the face of the players, we want this match, it is a must win," he said.

"Sometimes even the before the match, when they show our Super Eagles players, they are always on their comfort zone. You don’t see this message from them this match is a cracker match.

"Even from their message when they are coaching they are relaxed anytime they are preparing. You don’t see that seriousness in them.

"My message to them is let them show character, there must be discipline, the team the team must show that we are going to win South Africa.

"We want to win the game and it has to start with the player because the coaches won't play for them. It is the players that would play, so the players must show character.

"Let see that determination, discipline, and hunger in them that they are playing for the country. They shouldn’t be relaxed they should be on their toes, they should be pressured that we want to win the match by all means. It is a must win match so let them show character for us."

Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 10 points, six behind leaders South Africa.

A victory in Bloemfontein would close the gap and boost the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes, while Bafana Bafana will be looking to extend their lead and move closer to securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com