…holds absolute record for longest clean sheet among Nigerian goalkeepers
Super Eagles shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali has pledged to do more for Nigerians after his heroics in the penalty shootout victory over South Africa.
The former Enyimba player stopped two penalties in the shootout to book the Super Eagles’ date with hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Notwithstanding his monumental performance on Wednesday night, an astonishing Nwabali has one objective.
“I don’t really know how I am feeling. When I look around, because of Nigerians, I only want to make them happy and just make them feel good,” Nwabali, the Chippa United star, said after a Man of the Match showing.
“I did not even expect this thing to come my way now but I give God the glory and I want to say a very big thank you to everyone, my club, Chippa United family, and my coaches here who always guide me.
“Today showed me that it’s going to be a D-day for us in the final but you know football, you can never predict but I wish it is going to come our way.
“They always know this slogan ‘You no go gree for anybody’ and I really want to do more for Nigeria, I love them all. Thank you to everyone who wishes me well,” he added.
Stanley Nwabali worked for his wages on the night. It was his biggest game yet, and he performed impressively. Aside from his penalty save, he had a spectacular showpiece in normal time. He made big saves to ensure the Jose Peseiro side remained in the game.
Notably, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali broke a 22-year-old record on Wednesday as he helped the Super Eagles qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final after a win over South Africa in the semi-final clash.
The Chippa United shot-stopper set a new record for the most minutes without conceding a goal by a Nigerian goalkeeper in the competition.
He surpassed former Super Eagles keeper Ike Shorunmu who featured in two AFCON tournaments.
Shorunmu went 450 minutes without conceding a goal across six AFCON matches.
Remarkably, by the 47th-minute mark against South Africa, Nwabali broke the record that stood for exactly 22 years.
Amazingly, Nwabali presently holds the absolute record for the longest clean sheet among Nigerian shot-stoppers only as he remained unbeaten for 493 minutes across six games until he was finally beaten from the penalty spot by Teboho Mokoena as the match ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
Nwabali went on to save two penalties during the shootout as Nigeria defeated the Bafana Bafana 4-2 to book a place with Ivory Coast in the final.
Interestingly, The 27-year-old Super Eagles goalkeeper is a man in demand following his exceptional performance at the ongoing 2023 AFCON and is set to leave Chippa United
Chippa United’s Nwabali, who has been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, is a most wanted man by top-flight clubs.
Nwabali is Chippa United’s first-choice stopper in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro, decided to make Stanley Nwabali his No.1 goalkeeper ahead of Francis Uzoho for the AFCON 2023 campaign.
Nwabali has played six matches in the AFCON tourney and conceded just two goals against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
His heroics have given Super Eagles a chance in the continental competition, a tournament they last won in 2013.
Nwabali’s agent, Mohammed Lawal, has now hinted at a big move for the player.
“There is interest in France and Saudi Arabia. There is no surprise because of his performance during the Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast,” Lawal said as quoted by SNL24.
“I have only seen [Kaizer Chiefs links] in newspapers. I cannot comment on anything regarding local interest, please speak to the chairman of the club,” he added.
