Stanley Nwabali announces funeral plans for father, mother who died months apart
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has announced the funeral arrangements for his parents, months after losing them in quick succession.
The Chippa United player suffered the death of his father, Godspower Abali, also known as Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi, in mid-November 2024 at the age of 67.
The sad news came just hours before Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match against Rwanda, prompting Nwabali to pull out of the match to mourn his father.
Tragedy struck again on January 1, when the goalkeeper lost his mother, less than two months after his father’s death.
He took to social media at the time, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already,” and previously expressed his grief with the words, “A very very crazy world indeed.”
These devastating losses came shortly after Nwabali rose to national fame for his outstanding performances at the 2023 AFCON, where he was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the final.
In an update posted to on Friday, the footballer shared a funeral announcement poster detailing the burial plans for both parents.
According to the announcement, “Chief Nwabali,” aged 72, and Grace Nwabali, aged 63, will be laid to rest in Okwuzi, Egbema, Rivers State.
A service of songs will be held on Thursday, June 5, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, in the late chief’s residence at Osafu Lane, Okwuzi Egbema.
On Friday, June 6, Mrs Grace Nwabali’s body will be taken from Gbeye Hospital Mortuary, Omoku, to her father’s compound and then to her husband’s residence for lying in state.
The funeral will continue on Saturday, June 7, with the Mr Nwabali’s body being received by the Okwuzi council of chiefs, followed by interment and a reception at CPS Okwuzi Egbema.
In his emotional caption, Nwabali wrote, “About time to put my dad and mom to rest. Something I never imagined doing so soon at this point of my life. Difficult to believe I will never set my eyes on you again. It’s a different kind of pain I never wish for my enemy. Thank you for everything 🥲.
“Come on the 6th and 7th of June 2025.”
