Since replacing Francis Uzoho in goal for Nigeria, Stanley Nwabali has made the number one spot his, with some outstanding performances
Chippa United and Nigeria shot-stopper; Stanley Nwabali has seen his market value skyrocket after an impressive showing for the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 27-year-old has conceded just two goals in six appearances for the Super Eagles, producing one of the saves of the tournament in Nigeria’s 1-0 win against host nation Ivory Coast.
Not only that, Stanley Nwabali was the hero as Nigeria booked a place in the final of the AFCON 2023, saving two penalty kicks in the game against South Africa.
Nwabali repays Peseiro’s faith
Before AFCON started the Nigerian team had one glaring weakness and it was in the goalkeeping department.
Former Super Eagles number one Francis Uzoho was unconvincing and suffered backlash from fans after series of blunders – one of which cost Nigeria a spot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Jose Peseiro handed Nwabali his first cap in Nigeria’s opening game at AFCON and the former Katsina United man has rewarded the faith of his coach with some courageous performances so far.
Ballgist can confirm that Chippa United are reportedly asking for €2,000,000 for the current Super Eagles number one, with Kaizer Chiefs and some European clubs looking to sign the 27-year-old.
Stanley Nwabali joined Chippa United in October 2022 and has worked his way up to become the number-one goalkeeper at the South African club.
Stanley Nwabali and the Super Eagles of Nigeria would be hoping to end the tournament on a high by winning the AFCON for a fourth time when they face host Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday.
The Super Eagles already defeated Ivory Coast in the group stages but the stakes would be higher when they meet in the final and Nigerians would be expecting another assured performance from Stanely Nwabali in their quest to lift the trophy they last won in 2013.
