SCORENigeria Top 30: Stanley Nwabali (5)
The 2023 AFCON was the crowning glory for goalkeeper Stanley ‘Bobo’ Nwabali.
Nigeria vs South Africa was a tensive match as both teams gave the play their very best, with Super Eagles cruising home to victory after a penalty shootout.
As I look forward to the finals against the host country with so much hope, nothing occupies my mind more than having the… pic.twitter.com/zflo2fUBkN
— A S I W A J U (@TheSeunFakorede) February 10, 2024
The former Lobi Stars and Katsina United shot stopper had made his Super Eagles debut three years ago in a friendly against Mexico during which he shipped in four goals.
At the height of the raging debate over the desperate need for a reliable goalkeeper, coach Jose Peseiro had to fly out to South Africa to watch Nwabali.
The giant goalkeeper has since proved to be an inspired choice.
His infectious self-belief, good command of his box and firm grip were evident as the Super Eagles made their way to the final of the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
The high point of his AFCON heroics was his overall performance against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semifinal, which had to be decided by a dramatic shootout.
Nwabali was Man of the Match with his saves in the penalty shootout and regulation time against the team representing the country where he plies his trade.
He will be feted like the rest of the Super Eagles squad by a grateful nation with national honour, house and cash gifts, while he was also installed a chief in his hometown.
Such were his heroics in that contest that there were fears that he would not be welcomed back to South Africa.
It was not the case as he went on to help his club Chippa United to escape relegation in the closing weeks of the South African PSL season.
Overall, he kept 11 clean sheets in 31 appearances for the Port Elizabeth outfit.
Nwabali has established himself as safe choice in the Super Eagles goal, but will now face a stiff fight from Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
His club future is away from modest Chippa United and he is expected to soon complete a record-breaking transfer to a bigger club courtesy of the class he displayed this year.
