In the wake of concerns at the goalkeeping end for Nigeria, one man, a gigantic figure at 6’5, emerged as the solution—Stanley Nwabali.
Born on Monday, June 10, 1996 into an Egbema family in Okwuzi Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, Stanley Nwabali dreamt of becoming a footballer and began chasing his dream with Go Round FC, a club based in Omoku, Rivers State, Nigeria.
His stay at Go Round FC, club floated and promoted by a former Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Felix Obuah, saw a transition from striker to goalkeeper under his youth coach.
The Rivers-born goalkeeper revealed that, as a young boy growing up in the vibrant streets of Port Harcourt, he preferred a glamorous role as an outfield player, which led him to join Go Round FC as a striker until a coach tested him at the goalpost.
The 27-year-old spoke of his love for playing with his feet and credited his coaches for urging him to contribute beyond standing in goal.
“I learned from many of my coaches at clubs that, as a goalkeeper, I cannot just remain between the sticks but should also make forays upfront to help the team.”
In 2020, Nwabali secured a high-profile move to one of Nigeria’s most prominent football clubs, Enyimba International FC, he also had stints with Wikki Tourists, Lobi Stars and Katsina United. Before joining his current club side, South African outfit, Chippa United in 2022.
His performances with Chippa United in the current season saw him keep seven clean sheets in 14 games and caught the attention of the Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro, and the technical crew who called him up for the AFCON. A decision that has proved incredibly fruitful.
Nwabali has kept four clean sheets in six games for the Nigerian National Team. He became the first Super Eagles goalkeeper to keep four consecutive clean sheets in a major tournament in 44 years. The last to do was Best Ogedegbe in 1980, he surpassed Alloy Agu’s three games in a row in 1990.
His heroic performance in the semifinal against South Africa, saving two penalty kicks which ultimately resulted in victory for the Super Eagles and earned him the prestigious Man of the Match award.
Nwabali is considered one of the finest goalkeepers in Africa and has been lauded for his ability to command his area, as well as his calm, agility, reflexes and positioning between the sticks. His leadership of the backline has also garnered praise.
The 27-year-old has been likened to Vincent Enyeama, another legendary Nigerian goalkeeper whose boots have been hard to fill and whose absence has been missed dearly in the Super Eagles set-up. Enyeama also played for Enyimba FC and later for Lille.
Nwabali’s comparison to the great Vincent Enyeama does not come as a surprise, given that Nwabali has a deep admiration for Enyeama, and seeks to emulate his success.
Despite having Manuel Neuer as his role model, Nwabali draws inspiration from Enyeama’s composure and defensive command.
“I watched Vincent Enyeama a lot, although I didn’t have the opportunity to watch him live at the stadium.”
“I watched him play in France and our national team, and what I really loved about this man was his composure and the command of his area.”
“Enyeama was someone I always looked up to, despite having different styles, but I always looked up to him I think I have a similar style to Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.”
“I have learned most things from him too, like the way he organizes his defence and how he goes up front to sweep. I also learned from many of my coaches at clubs that, as a goalkeeper, I cannot just remain between the sticks but should also make forays up front to help the team.”
Nwabali is a devout Christian who credits God for his achievements. He is also involved in charity work and supports various causes.
Nwabali has mentioned repeatedly in post-match interviews that he just wants to make Nigerians happy and feel good.
Nwabali is expected to be in hot pursuit by high-profile clubs given his indelible imprint in the AFCON. He has also become ever so popular on social media since his impressive displays for Nigeria and has now gained over 300k followers on Instagram. Before going into the AFCON, Nwabali had less than 6k followers. As of Friday, February 9, 2024, Nwabali had 357k followers.
While playing his trade with NPFL side, Enyimba FC, He earned his first cap for the Nigerian national team in an international friendly 4-0 loss against Mexico in Los Angeles in America but was not deterred.
Stanley Nwabali has become an inspiration, a figure worthy of emulation to many young Nigerians who aspire to become professional footballers and human beings in general. He has had to overcome many obstacles to attain his goals and ambitions, and is now a proud ambassador of Nigeria and Africa on the international stage.
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