Augustine Eguavoen has disclosed that Stanley Nwabali's absence from the Super Eagles affected the team in their last African Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda.

The Chippa United goalkeeper was excused from the team camp after he lost his father following Nigeria's penultimate qualifier against Benin Republic last Thursday.

The 28-year-old was replaced by Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in goal as Nigeria were stunned 2-1 by the Wasps at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium after Samuel Chukwueze had given the team the lead.

Speaking on the impact of the absence of the team's number one shot-stopper, Eguavoen said: “In a way, I think yes. But I think any player that is invited among the squad is capable of playing.”

He added, “So, people need to get their chance; they got their chance today, but unfortunately, we fought for it, but it wasn’t to be.”

Despite the defeat, Nigeria had already qualified for the 2025 African Cup of Nations after topping Group D with 11 points.