Chijioke Gabriel
In what passes for a very emotional moment in his life, Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has announced the burial arrangements for his late parents, Chief Nwabali Godspower Onyekamu and Mrs. Grace Nwabali (née Mmai), describing the moment as one of unimaginable grief.
In a message shared alongside the burial poster on his Instagram on Friday, Nwabali expressed the depth of his pain.
“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,” he wrote.
According to the family announcement, the funeral activities will span three days, starting from Thursday, June 5, 2025, with a Service of Songs at 5pm at the late Chief’s residence on Osafu Lane, Okwuzi Egbema, Rivers State.
On Friday, June 6, the body of Late Mrs. Grace Nwabali will leave Gbegbe Hospital Mortuary, Omoku, to her father’s compound and then to her husband’s residence, where she will lie in state from 11am.
The final burial rites will be held on Saturday, June 7.
At 9am, the remains of Chief Nwabali Godpower will depart Gbegbe Hospital Mortuary to his maternal home, before being received by the Okwuzi Council of Chiefs at 10am.
By 11am, the body will lie in state at his residence, followed by interment and other funeral activities at 12 noon.
Reception and entertainment of guests will follow at CPS Okwuzi Egbema.
Nwabali passed away at the age of 72, while Mrs. Grace Nwabali was 63.
The family expressed gratitude to all well-wishers and invited friends and loved ones to honour their parents’ memory on June 6 and 7.
Barely two months after losing his father, Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper lost his mother on January 2.
Nwabali’s father’s passing was announced in November, a few hours after the goalkeeper was in goal for the Super Eagles in their 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic during their penultimate 2025 AFCON qualification match.
