Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains astonished by his rapid rise to prominence in international football, finding himself representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast despite not being considered for the tournament just a few weeks prior.
The Chippa United goal custodian was selected for Jose Peseiro's ultimate AFCON squad, which secured second place in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), ultimately losing to the host nation Ivory Coast in the final.
Nwabali's notable displays in the PSL, securing seven clean sheets in 14 matches so far this season, captured the interest of both Peseiro and the Super Eagles' technical staff, leading to his selection for AFCON 2024.
Nwabali prevailed over competition from Nigeria's top keeper, Francis Uzoho, and Olorunleke Ojo to secure the position as the Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper.
His commendable performances under Peseiro's guidance not only justified the trust placed in him but also garnered widespread attention, drawing interest from potential suitors worldwide.
Nwabali's first meeting with Peseiro
The 27-year-old goalkeeper from Chippa United received a visit from the Nigerian coach in late November, subsequently earning a spot in the squad for the Cup of Nations finals.
This occurred despite him having only one previous cap, which he earned 18 months earlier in a friendly against Mexico. It's worth noting that Nigeria fielded solely home-based players during that match with Ibrahim Sunusi, who plays for Major League Soccer side CF Montreal, being the only exception.
The Super Eagles suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of El Tri.
What did Nwabali say about his surprise AFCON call-up?
In reflecting on his remarkable journey to international football prominence, Nwabali shared his astonishment at the unexpected turn of events.
“To be honest, it was all a surprise to me, like the coach coming to see me in Port Elizabeth,” he told MTNFC.
The momentous occasion of representing his country left a profound impact on him, as he expressed his gratitude, stating, “Going to represent my country and have the opportunity to play like I did … well I really appreciate the coach and everyone who discovered me.”
Nwabali further expressed his profound appreciation for the opportunities he has been afforded.
“I don't really know but for the coach to play me in this kind of big tournament and coming down to South Africa to watch me, makes me really appreciative,” he shared.
Nwabali loyal to Chippa United amid transfer speculation
As speculation swirls regarding his future and potential moves to larger clubs, Nwabali remains grounded in his current commitments.
“I don't know if I'm too big for them,” he asserts, acknowledging the rumours surrounding his next career steps.
However, he emphasised his immediate focus on reconnecting with his friends and teammates at Chippa United.
“For the moment I’m just keen to go back and see my friends and my teammates. If there is a move or something, I’ll take it but I’m concentrating on playing for Chippa,” he explained.
