Super Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali reveals prefered AFCON semi-final opponent
Following Nigeria’s quarterfinal victory against Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed his revealed his prefered opponent.
expressed his desire to face South Africa in the semifinals.
The lone goal in the quarterfinal clash came courtesy of Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, securing Nigeria’s spot in the last four of the 34th edition of AFCON.
As Nigeria prepares to move from Abidjan to Bouake for the next stage of the tournament, they await the winner of the quarterfinal fixture between South Africa and Cape Verde.
Nwabali, who plies his trade in South Africa for Chippa United, is familiar with many players in the Bafana Bafana squad. Given his connection to the South African football scene, the Super Eagles’ number-one shot-stopper has expressed a preference for facing South Africa in the semifinals.
“Both Cape Verde and South Africa are good teams, but I want to play against South Africa,” Nwabali told the media. “I really wish to see how my defence will fare against them. Yes, most of their players know me, and I also know them.”
Nigeria, with three AFCON trophies in their history (1980, 1994, and 2013), will keenly await the outcome of the South Africa vs. Cape Verde clash to determine their opponent in the crucial semifinal stage.
