AFCON 2023: Stanley Nwabali set to channel inner Manuel Neuer against South Africa

Stanley Nwabali will hope to channel his inner Manuel Neuer by leading Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) glory, the same way the Bayern Munich shotstopper led Germany to a World Cup triumph in 2018.

The Super Eagles disclosed his pre-match ritual as the three-time champions prepare to face South Africa in the semifinal.

The Chippa United goalkeeper has kept all of Nigeria’s AFCON matches so far relegating the team’s number one, Francis Uzoho, to the bench, following his consistent errors.

Nwabali has kept four clean sheets in five matches so far and has conceded just one goal with some impressive saves made.

Speaking about the secret behind his form, the goalkeeper revealed his role model as he disclosed his pre-match doings.

“I love playing my PlayStation, I love watching my role model, I love watching Manuel Neuer even before my game,” he said in a video posted on X by photojournalist Pooja.

“Even two days before my game, even in the dressing room, I always watch him, and even before my game, I always play my PlayStation.”