Stanley Nwabali at AFCON 2023:
5 reasons Nigerians applaud the Super Eagles keeper


Super Eagles' shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali has won the hearts of Nigerians with his stellar performance at the AFCON 2023.

As the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023, continues to unfold in Cote d’Ivoire, Nigerian football fans have been singing the praises of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Nwabali has been one of the standout players for Nigeria in Ivory Coast and here are five compelling reasons why the Chippa United shot-stopper deserves the accolades coming his way from his compatriots.

1. Nwabali’s composure on the ball
The former Wikki Tourist man has displayed exceptional composure when handling the ball, proving to be one of his standout traits.

Amidst high-pressure situations, the Chippa star has been a welcomed calming and assured presence in possession which has helped the stability of the Super Eagles' back line.

Stanley Nwabali has been a breath of fresh air for the Super Eagles so far.
Stanley Nwabali has been a breath of fresh air for the Super Eagles so far. (Photo Credit: Nwabali/X)


2. Captain-like Inspiration
Beyond his technical abilities, Nwabali has also shown his leadership potential at the AFCON 2023.

The manner with which he has galvanised his teammates so far and how he barks instructions keeping his defenders on their toes and alert have added a different dimension to the team.


Stanley Nwabali during his AFCON 2023 bow. (Photo Credit: Nwabali/X)
Also, his ability to uplift and motivate others, despite being a relatively new addition to the team, has been easy to spot as a trait that foster unity and team spirit.

3. Playmaking ability
Another underrated trait he has exhibited is the ability to initiate plays from the back. While this was evident at his South African club, Nigerians are seeing a first-hand experience.

Nwabali averages 2.7 saves per game at the AFCON 2023.
Nwabali averages 2.7 saves per game at the AFCON 2023. (Photo Credit: Nwabali/X)
With each passing game, this trait from the goalkeeper contributes immensely to Nigeria’s overall play from the back, adding a dynamic to the general game plan.

4. Clean sheet and Save Percentage
As reported by Pulse Sports, Nwabali’s performance in Ivory Coast has taken him to the top of ratings as he boasts of the best save rate in the competition.

Stanley Nwabali has two clean sheets at the AFCON 2023.

With an average of 2.7 saves per game, Nigeria’s goalkeeper has a save rate of 88.9%, the highest in the competition.

This record has helped him to two clean sheets in three matches, displaying his shot-stopping skill that has also seen him win a save of the day award from CAF.

5. Organisational Skills in Defense
Nwabali’s leadership at the back extends beyond just his impressive shot-stopping; he has also earned praise for his brilliant organisational ability.


The Chippa man is often seen screaming at the top of his voice, a vocal presence that was not so evident under Nigeria’s former number, Francis Uzoho.

This underrated skill has played a pivotal role in fostering a cohesive backline, thwarting opposition attacks with resilience and admirable compactness.

Bonus
Another reason for the applauds from Nigeria is the fact that Nwabali’s aforementioned qualities have helped limit the appearance of Uzoho in goal.

Nigerians go into games now worrying less about who is in between sticks, at least for now.



https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/stanley-nwabali-at-afcon-2023-5-reasons-nigerians-applaud-the-super-eagles-keeper-2024012705521618645

These are all qualities of a great goalkeeper, & it's good to see such qualities in Nwabali.

I pray for his speedy full recovery.

The boy Nwabali and our defenders are really trying.

Nice one

Reading…

Hmm


Will he be available for our next match? If he is not available for our next match. Then the Super Eagles should kiss AFCON goodbye...

Ok

I love his passion and how he inspires his teammates, but the guy na ezigbote nwa for, his head dey funny me die

The guy na jonsing man

Wait until he comes against a very serious team like Senegal or Morocco, then he will prove his mettle..

Stanley Nwabali is doing a great job, but a goalie is useless without a formidable defence.

So, I appreciate Troost-Ekong and other defenders in the Super Eagles squad.

Those guys have been awesome, but creating chances and converting those chances is our biggest challenge.

PS: I miss Leon Balogun and Wilfred Ndidi (the man who bears a feminine name) in that squad.

The guy disappointed me with his injury, he should have protected himself when he went for that ball, he was so gentle on the approaching attacker, Street goal keeping 101, raise your legs as a barrier to your body, now we have reverted to prayers so that he can get well soon enough for Angola.

God pls heal him for us b4 Friday, I no won see that basket call uzoho for post abg

bluefilm:
The guy na jonsing man

Wait until he comes against a very serious team

I hope you get proved wrong. He's been great so far.

He's good.

Imagine they extended quota system to sports

Vincent Enyeama or nothing

















Well, low budget Enyeama

During the last match, The Cameroonian players and the referee just wanted the guy out by all means. How can we explain what the players did at different times of the game, headbutting him and not even going for the balls? And no one get even a yellow card or red card for it. The plan was to wound him by all means, while the referee looks away, bring in abubakar after removing him and replacing him with onana friend, uzoho, so that they can be firing shots from all angles. But they never expected the kind of pressures they got back after he was stretched out. The guy is good, very calm, and less tensed. He hardly move away from his post unnecessarily. Give it to him.

Confidence and calm
Ivory Coast players really tested this guy and he conquered

Nwoke dey on fire abeggggi🔥🚒

Wish him quick recovery

Uzoho is the worst Nigeria goal keeper in history

PriceActionZ:
The Cameroonian players and the referee just wanted the guy out by all means.

Very true

Enyeama replacement

Tjra:

I hope you get proved wrong. He's been great so far.

I hope so too but I don't like to judge performances when the challenge or opposition can be best described as average.

I applaud d coach for benching mr uzoho...

Uzoho wey don vow to send us packing.Guy man don cash out already with bet9ja

Nwabali to the world!!!!!!!!!

NB: When you are successful people would look for things to point to as your strategy and strength but if you fail ehn, forget ooo.

Enyeama 2.0

Nwabali has confidence. And his pitch charisma sef is on point

BTW, how come no one is talking about our skippo- Troost-Ekong ?

To me, that guy is an unsung hero. He's doing great at the back. He displays inspiring leadership as well.

The guy is a great keepper, I wish him great career

I dey feel this guy die, abeg make he get well soon.

Sabadon:
I love his passion and how he inspires his teammates, but the guy na ezigbote nwa for, his head dey funny me die

you wey no get funny head, na where you represent Nigeria?