Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali confident of victory over South Africa in World Cup qualifier

Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is confident that Nigeria will defeat South Africa in their upcoming World Cup qualifier.

27-year-old Nwabali, who emerged as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the AFCON 2023 tournament, was instrumental in helping the Super Eagles secure a second-place finish in Ivory Coast by keeping four clean sheets in seven games. His impressive form has continued at Chippa United, where he has saved spot kicks and maintained 11 clean sheets in 26 league games in the DsTV Premiership.

Ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa, Nwabali expressed his belief in the superiority of the Super Eagles’ squad. “Football is the same everywhere but I don’t feel with the kind of players we have, we can have any challenge in any game especially in our group, but you cannot predict football,” Nwabali told Lagos Talks on 91.3 FM, as quoted by African Football.

He emphasised the quality of Nigerian players and hinted at an easy chance for victory. “I know the South Africans. We have good players in our country too so I’m not talking about those guys, they are good in their own way of playing. I’m not talking about them because if we can put ourselves together, they cannot match us.”

Nigeria will face South Africa next Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off set for 8 PM. Three days later, the Super Eagles will play against Benin Republic. Nwabali’s confidence and recent form bode well for Nigeria as they aim to secure a strong start in their World Cup qualification campaign.