Shehu Dikko, former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has given insight into why new Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper and fan favourite, Stanley Nwabali didn’t feature for the team under former coach Gernot Rohr.
Nwabali has established himself as the country’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper with his impressive performances at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
While Nwabali’s rise to stardom has come as a big surprise to many Nigerians, Dikko said the keeper had always been under the watchful eyes of the federation.
“Anyway, God’s timing is always the best, and he has once again proved the talent available in the domestic game.”
On Wednesday, the 27-year-old saved two penalty kicks from Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa to help Nigeria claim a 4-2 win over South Africa and progress to the final of the 34th edition of the AFCON.
The Chippa United shot-stopper, who is a strong contender for keeper of the tournament, was named Man of the Match for his impressive display.
Surprisingly, Nwabali has only made six appearances for the Eagles and was only invited to the national team a few weeks before the AFCON after Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, decided to make him his preferred choice ahead of Francis Uzoho, who has failed to live up to expectations.
In his competitive games so far, he has conceded just two goals against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
Nwabali will hope to continue with his impressive form when Nigeria take on Ivory Coast in the final of the AFCON on Sunday.
