Stanley Nwabali will not play in Nigeria's final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday, the Super Eagles goalkeeper "excused from the game" after the death of his father.
Nwabali's father, Chief Godspower Onyekam Abali, a surveyor, died on Wednesday, aged 67, but the family decided to keep the news from the goalkeeper and the Super Eagles until after the AFCON qualifier vs. Benin on Thursday.
The 1-1 draw in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ensured Nigeria's progression to AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) director of communications Ademola Olajire told ESPN that Nwabali would not play in the final qualifier against Rwanda.
"He has been excused by coach Augustin Eguavoen," Olajire said. "He left the team from the airport in Uyo immediately on arrival to be with his family at this difficult time."
Nigeria's team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, said Nwabali would, however, attend the match "and cheer his teammates on."
Nwabali's absence means Maduka Okoye or Amas Obasogie will play in goal for Nigeria at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Nwabali announced on social media, hours after helping Nigeria to earn the point in Abidjan that put the seal on their qualification for AFCON 2025, that his father had died.
He first posted "RIP Dad" accompanied by a crying face emoji and a burning candle. He then posted again to say "Rest in heaven" with a broken-heart emoji and a burning candle.
NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the news had come as a shock.
"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the demise of Stanley Nwabali's father," he said. "Coming a day after the player featured in the match that won us the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ticket, it made for a day of low morale as we flew from Abidjan to Uyo.
"The death of a parent is always a thing of deep sorrow and sadness. However, we want Stanley to take heart in the fruitful and fulfilled life that his father lived, and we pray that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest, and also grant Stanley and other members of the family the fortitude to bear the big loss."