Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-15 12:27:48
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, recently shared the story of his football career, disclosing that he initially started out as a striker and eventually ventured into goalkeeping. Nwabali has made a name for himself in the Nigerian league, achieving numerous titles in various divisions before moving on to join Chippa United in South Africa. He revealed his journey in an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS following a reception hosted by President Bola Tinubu for the Super Eagles at the presidential villa in Abuja.
Nwabali’s impressive performances on the field have drawn comparisons to other prominent African goalkeepers such as Andre Onana of Cameroon and Manchester United. In response to this, Nwabali acknowledged that every football career begins somewhere, and his journey was not one that led him directly into a big club or an ideal situation. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in different divisions of the Nigerian football league and win various league titles along the way. He emphasized the importance of passing through different stages before moving on to play in other countries, drawing attention to his recent move to Chippa United in South Africa just over a year ago.
The 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire served as a critical turning point in Nwabali’s career. He entered the national team during a unique set of circumstances and proved to be a reliable and talented goalkeeper, quelling the doubts of Nigerian football fans who had been uncertain about Francis Uzoho’s performance. Nwabali’s excellent performance at the tournament reflected his potential to be a trustworthy shot-stopper for the Super Eagles in the years to come. Throughout the tournament, he exhibited his skills and determination, conceding only one goal during the group stage and a few more from the round of 16 to the final. His solid performance at the tournament further solidified his position as a dependable member of the team.
Nwabali’s journey to success was not without its challenges. He began his career as a striker with Go Round FC before transitioning to Enyimba in 2020 and subsequently joining Lobi, Katsina United, and Chippa United in 2022. His evolution from a striker to a goalkeeper, along with his perseverance, determination, and skill, has led to his success in both the Nigerian league and at the international level. Nwabali’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and underscores the importance of hard work, dedication, and the willingness to navigate through different stages and divisions to achieve success.
