SUPER Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has made it his mission to bring smiles to the faces of his compatriots grappling with an economic crisis, galloping inflation and insecurity, including a kidnapping epidemic.
The South Africa-based shot stopper has been one of the best goalkeepers at the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, keeping four clean sheets to steer the Super Eagles to their first final since 2013.
Chippa United star Nwabali was named Man of the Match last night after another heroic performance as he made brilliant saves during the semi-final clash against South Africa and stopped two spot kicks to help the Super Eagles win 4-2 on penalties after full-time and extra-time ended 1-1.
“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 said during his post-match interview.
“I did not even expect this thing coming 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.
“You 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.”
Nwabali, 27, has been the revelation of the AFCON 2023 tournament for Nigeria, joining the squad just before the start of the competition and going on to become a cult hero within one month following his excellent performances.
The Super Eagles will battle hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final in Abijdan on Sunday, three weeks after the teams met in the group stages.
Nigeria won that Group A clash 1-0 and will be looking for a repeat as they seek their fourth AFCON title to add to the ones won in 1980 on home soil, 1994 in Tunisia and 2013 in South Africa.
