Nwabili eyes ‘better’ performances after clean-sheet in Nigeria win over Cote d’Ivoire
After bagging his first clean-sheet for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the 2023 AFCON win over Cote d’Ivoire, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili has challenged himself to deliver ‘better’ performances.
Stanley Nwabili who plays for South African club Chippa United expressed dissatisfaction with his performance despite Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations match on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Nwabili, who has kept seven clean sheets in fifteen games for Chippa United in the DSTV Premiership this season, was included in the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON tournament as head coach Jose Peseiro searched for a worthy replacement for Francis Uzoho.
The 27-year-old was given the starting role by coach Jose Peseiro in the opening Group game against Equatorial Guinea, that game ended in a 1-1 draw on Monday, January 14.
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Against tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire who were tipped as favourites to win the group A clash, Nwabili made three crucial saves to secure a clean sheet and contribute to Nigeria’s win.
In his post-match interaction, the goalkeeper is quoted by SOCCERNET to have he said that he is not happy with his performance. He expressed a desire to play the ball more, be more confident, and enjoy himself on the field.
“No, I’m not happy. I feel I should be doing more for my country, so I don’t feel it was a great game for me, or how my game usually is. I’m happy for the team’s win, but my performance is unlike me. I want to play the ball more, be more confident, and enjoy myself,” he said.
Despite Nwabili’s self-critique, Nigerians have expressed satisfcation with his performances, with particular praise for his calmness and confidence on the role despite playing in his first-ever international competition.
With the Elephants defeated, Nigeria will now focus on their final group game against Guinea-Bissau with the aim of sealing qualification to the knockout round from Group A.
