Stanley Nwabali reflects on heroic AFCON 2023 semifinal penalty saves vs South Africa

By: Monsurah Olatunji

Stanley Nwabali has opened up about his calm demeanor during the crucial shootout against South Africa in the semi-finals of the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Chippa United goalkeeper emerged as one of the standout performers at the 34th edition of the continental tournament, boasting four clean sheets and two crucial penalty saves.

Despite the spotlight on South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Nwabali remained composed and delivered when it mattered most, helping Nigeria secure a spot in the final, although they ultimately fell short against the host nation.

Reflecting on his performance and the pressure leading up to the shootout, Nwabali emphasized that familiarity breeds confidence, and he remained unfazed by the hype surrounding his opponent.

“Before the shootout, I was seeing videos of people talking about avoiding penalties with South Africa,” Nwabali shared as quoted via Footballlive. “Talking high of the goalkeeper. When you see something, you’ll be scared of what you know and what you don’t know. Most people just know I’m a footballer, they don’t know me.”

Despite the accolades showered on Williams for his penalty heroics earlier in the tournament, Nwabali stayed focused on his abilities and the belief of his teammates and club.

“I said to myself before the shootout, it’s over for you guys (South Africa). Only my teammates believed me and my club here in South Africa,” he added.

Nwabali’s confidence stems from his own track record, having saved five out of the first seven penalties he faced in South Africa. However, he remained low-key in training sessions, opting not to showcase his skills to the media.

The goalkeeper’s composed demeanor and ability to rise to the occasion underline his resilience and determination to succeed at the highest level, despite the odds stacked against him.