Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was listed among the finest shot-stoppers in Africa after the Confederation of African Football released nominees shortlisted for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, announced 30th June 2022, alongside Manchester United and Cameroonian star Andre Onana.
Chippa United goalkeeper Nwabali was instrumental in ensuring the Super Eagles stopped Ivory Coast from lifting the title on home soil, as he was called to action many times in the encounter that ended 2-1 against Nigeria. His performances at the just-concluded 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast earned him a place among the best goalkeepers in Africa. He was the key factor that ensured the Super Eagles reached the final, having conceded only two goals throughout the competition.
The competition is sure to be rife, as the football universe has other top nominees such as Andre Onana from Cameroon, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Algeria’s Oussama Benbot, Ivory Coast’s Yahia Fofana, and DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi.
Stiff competition confronts him, but he is in good stead to make history as the first Nigerian goalkeeper to win the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award. His sterling performances for club and country in 2024 have ensured that he comes into the continental stage as one of the standout contenders.
