Nigeria's PSL star after SA scalp: I don't know how I'm feeling!

Nigeria and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has admitted to being uncertain about his emotions after helping his side beat South Africa at the AFCON.

The shot-stopper walked away with the Man of the Match award after making crucial saves in regulation time against Bafana Bafana on Wednesday night, as well as saving two spot-kicks to help his side win the penalty shootout that followed 4-2. 

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Following Nwabali's heroics, the Super Eagles will participate in their in their eighth AFCON final against the Ivory Coast on Sunday, and will have the opportunity to win their fourth continental title, having last won the tournament in 2013.

Speaking after the match, the Chippa goalkeeper praised his coaches and teammates for the role they played in helping him throughout the tournament. 

"Today, I don't really know how I am feeling, but it has been God throughout this tournament," the 27-year-old said, per All Nigeria Soccer. 

"I really appreciate the management and the coaches today, they have really guided me a lot throughout this tournament.

"I feel so happy and I really appreciate my teammates." 

The shot-stopper, who has been a pivotal part of the Super Eagles defensive set-up that has conceded just two goals in six appearances at the tournament thus far, also responded to criticism suggesting that South Africa captain Ronwen Williams should be favourite to win the showpiece's best goalkeeper award because he was tested more than the Nigerian. 

"There is no room to talk about criticism because it happens in football," Nwabali added. 

"When football go like this, your fans really want more from you.

"They said these kind of things, I didn't see it as anything. I just see it like a motivation to me to keep working."

Taking to social media a little later after his valiant semi-final display, Nwabali insisted he still has love for South African fans while expressing his patriotism for his country. 

"This is a game I'm born to play. A night to remember! I felt every bit of it! Brick by brick and dreams are coming true. No love lost at all," he wrote on Instagram.

"I still love South Africa as much as their fans loves me.

"My name is Nwabali Stanley Bobo and I love this team [Nigeria] with all my heart."

Read: Hosts Cote d'Ivoire to meet Nigeria in AFCON final 

Nwabali will now begin preparations with the Super Eagles as they get ready to take on hosts Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday night. 

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