AFCON 2023: Rivers State Governor rewards Nigeria goalkeeping hero Stanley Nwabali

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Executive governor of Rivers State, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara has rewarded Nigeria’s senior men’s national team goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali after an impressive 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.

The Rivers State governor showered Nwabali with a N20M (twenty million Naira) cash gift and also conferred him with one of the highest State Honours in Rivers State, Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS).

Nwabali is Port Harcourt-born goalkeeper who currently plays for South African side, Chippa United.

The Super Eagles technical crew also received N30M, while Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro and his assistant Finidi George were with Nwabali at the reception.

Nigeria finished second after a 2-1 loss to host, Cote D’Ivoire in the final of AFCON 2023 in Abidjan.

Nwabali kept four consecutive clean sheets at the tournament. He became Nigeria’s goalie with the highest clean sheet at any football tournament with that feat.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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