Afcon 2023: Stanley Nwabali congratulates Ronwen Williams for Goalkeeper of the Tournament award

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has applauded his counterpart Ronwen Williams on winning the best goalkeeper award at the concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Chippa United shot-stopper was one of the most outstanding footballers at the 34th edition of the continental championships with four clean sheets and two penalty saves.

However, his heroic performance was not enough to earn him the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award despite reaching the final.

Sadly, the Elephants defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles, with Nwabali conceding two goals and waving bye to both the AFCON trophy and the best goalkeeper honour.

Nigeria’s defeat to Cote d’Ivoire is the fifth time the former winners will lose an AFCON final, having suffered defeat in 1984, 1988, 1990, and 2000.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeper was named the winner of the Best Goalkeeper award for his excellent performances with South Africa at the tournament.

Williams kept five clean sheets and conceded only three goals in seven games for the Bafana Bafana.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper also saved six penalties in two shootouts against Cape Verde (4) and DR Congo (2).

In his act of sportsmanship, Nwabali admitted that his counterpart is deserving of the award.

“Ronwen Williams is a very good goalkeeper, to be honest,” Nwabali said.

“I am competing with this kind of guy and he has the chance to win the best goalkeeper of the tournament; he deserves it.”