Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was outstanding on Wednesday evening when Nigeria beat South Africa to reach 2023 AFCON final, npflupdates.com reports.
Following his impressive performance, Nwabali was voted as the Man-Of-The-Match (MOTM). His first ever AFCON award since making his debut for the Super Eagles.
It was a keenly contested match that saw the two rivals play out a barren draw in the first half. However, spot-kicks by William Troost-Ekong and Mokoena were the only goals as the game went into the extra-time.
Nigeria was presented with a goal-scoring chance deep into the extra-time, but forward Terem Moffi was brought down right outside the edge of the penalty area by Kekana, who was given the matching orders by the match official.
Deciding the game from penalty shootouts, Nwabali made crucial saves to ensure Nigeria emerged victorious.
After the match, rumours spread that a South African is calling for an increment in house rent of the Nigerian goalkeeper who ply his trade in the PSL with Chippa United.
Nwabali the new Nigeria hero
According to a source domiciled in Johannesburg, some Bafana Bafana fans have jokingly canvass for an increment in house rent of the Nigerian player.
“If it were to be in my power. I’d increase his(Nwabali) house rent at least for two months. Because how can he treat us like this,” one of the fans jokingly said to our source.
In a related story, top Nigerian personnels have reacted to the victory of the Super Eagles.
“We got it done!! Our very own @NGSuperEagles did it. Congratulations!! You have put a smile on all our faces. Let me also congratulate our South African brothers in @BafanaBafana for a valiant showing. Let’s now march forward,” World Trade Organisation (WTO) Chairman Okonjo-Iweala posted on her X (formerly Twitter) handle.
“Today was yet another victorious outing for Nigeria as our National Team, the Super Eagles displayed great fighting spirit, beating the Bafana Bafana of South Africa to take Nigeria to the finals in the ongoing AFCON games,” a former Governor of Anambra state, His Excellency Peter Obi posted on X.
“I congratulate them, and our dear nation for this victory, while appreciating everyone who has contributed to our victorious journey so far. As we prepare for the finals, and get ready to lift the trophy together, we remain hopeful that, together as one.”
Also read: 4 Easy And Best Ways To Get Sports Scholarship In UK Universities
On the other hand, former Super Eagles Captain Sunday Oliseh identified Nwabali as a hero.
“Nwabali ! Nwabali !! Nwabali !!! After Osimhen’s 5 star performance,another hero is born! What composure, belief in God and a reassuring Smile by our Naija goalkeeper to send us to the AFCON Final. Now i can face my FIFA colleagues with a smile .. lol,” the former Juventus midfielder posted on X.
