Stanley Nwabali credits team effort for AFCON success
Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s penalty shootout hero vs South Africa, has attributed his success in steering the Super Eagles to the AFCON final to the collective effort of his teammates.
Nwabali’s remarkable performance saw him save two crucial spot-kicks and earn the Man of the Match award as Nigeria triumphed over South Africa 4-2 on penalties, securing their place in the final after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Bouake.
Despite receiving accolades for his standout performance, Nwabali remained humble, emphasizing the teamwork and unity within the Nigerian squad.
“It has been a good team performance throughout this tournament. I really appreciate the management and coaches,” Nwabali expressed, highlighting the collective effort that propelled Nigeria forward.
The Chippa United goalkeeper singled out head coach Jose Peseiro for special praise, citing Peseiro’s visit to him in South Africa before the AFCON as a significant motivational factor.
“When the coach informed me he was coming to visit, for me it was one of the biggest things. A coach to come visit was a motivation. When he said he was coming I was really pleased,” Nwabali remarked, acknowledging the impact of Peseiro’s gesture on his morale.
Despite his standout performance, Nwabali remains grounded and focused on the team’s success. His humility and dedication have earned him admiration from Nigerian fans, who have embraced him during the fairytale tournament.
While Nwabali’s penalty heroics will be remembered as a historic moment in Nigerian football, he remains committed to the team’s collective goals. As Nigeria prepares to face either Cote d’Ivoire or DR Congo in the final, Nwabali’s unwavering spirit and dedication to the team serve as a source of inspiration for his teammates.
“These guys have really guided me a lot throughout this tournament, and I feel so happy,” Nwabali concluded, highlighting the camaraderie and support within the Nigerian camp.
