An African star has hailed Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for his career, insisting that he would like to follow in the Nigerian international's footsteps.
Nwabali shot to prominence on the continent during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a starring role in Nigeria's run to the final of the tournament.
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The Super Eagles' number one played in seven matches at AFCON 2023, keeping an impressive four clean sheets.
Moreover, Nwabali was also the hero when he saved two penalties during a shootout victory over Bafana Bafana in the semi-finals of the tournament.
With 17 appearances so far for Nigeria since his international debut in 2021, Nwabali's journey to becoming the Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper has been credited as a source of motivation by one of his new colleagues in the national team.
Amas Obasogie, an uncapped goalkeeper who was recently called up to the Nigeria squad this month, told TheCable; "I respect the effort Stanley Nwabali has put into claiming the number one shirt.
"Remember he also proved himself in the NPFL before doing the same at Chippa United.
"So being in the Eagles camp is a huge opportunity for me. I respect all the players, and the experience improves me tremendously. I train with the mentality that I am a Super Eagles goalkeeper and dream of myself putting on the national team jersey.
"If the opportunity comes to represent Nigeria, I aim to play my part and take it fully."
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Prior to the announcement of his first squad as Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle was reportedly fearing that Nwabali might not be in the best frame of mind due to the traumatic impact of the passing of both his parents in quick succession a few months ago.
However, those concerns have since been put to bed, as Nwabali is said to have joined the Nigeria camp on Monday evening in Kigali ahead of a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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