Chippa United shotstopper and Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper at AFCON 2023, Stanley Nwanbali, defends his predecessor, Francis Uzoho.
Prior to the tournament in Cote d'Ivoire, Francis Uzoho, the regular choice for the Super Eagles between the sticks, became the subject of warranted scrutiny as he piled poor performances on themselves.
Enter Stanley Nwabili, the Chippa United shot-stopper, who has swiftly commandeered the number one jersey in the first two showdowns of the tournament. At 27, Nwabili isn't just a wall between the posts; he's a beacon of hope, embodying the confidence that the team desperately needs.
15:10 - 19.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Five Reasons Nwabali Will Continue to bench Uzoho
These factors strongly suggest that Stanley Nwabali could continue to be the preferred choice over Francis Uzoho for the starting goalkeeper position in the ongoing AFCON 2023.
14:41 - 19.01.2024
[WATCH]: Nigeria's Nwabali wins CAF's save of the day with stunner against Ivory Coast
Stanley Nwabali kept his first clean sheet at AFCON 2023 for Nigeria Super Eagles against Ivory Coast.
"When the coach believes in you, you bring more confidence with you to the team," Nwabili shared with BBC Sport Africa. His words were not just a statement, but a battle cry for the Super Eagles. "I feel like I can do more to bring that confidence in to the team. I don't feel like Nigeria has seen my top performance."
Nwabili defends Uzoho
Nwabili is not one to forget the comradeship between the sticks. He leapt to the defence of his predecessor, Uzoho, amidst the harsh criticisms lashing out from all corners.
"Francis is a good guy and I don't know why they talk about him. It was unfair, to be honest. He deserved better," he asserted. This show of solidarity underscores the depth of character in the Nigerian squad. Nwabili added, "It's our first time working together - he is good."
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Nwabili, not just for his saves but for the unity and confidence he brings to a team standing at the crossroads of criticism and expectation.
Related content
17:58 - 20.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Why Ekong took the penalty against Ivory Coast and not Osimhen
William Troost-Ekong has revealed the reason behind his taking the penalty against Ivory Coast.
17:35 - 20.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Bright Osayi-Samuel eyes starting place in ‘game of revenge’ against Guinea-Bissau
Bright Osayi-Samuel, the dynamic Fenerbahce winger, is eagerly awaiting his potential starting debut for Nigeria in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Guinea Bissau.
16:55 - 20.01.2024
From Victor to the goalkeeper — Iwobi explains why Super Eagles are not afraid of any team at AFCON
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwob has hailed the team's performance against Ivory Coast and sounded out a warning to the rest of Africa.
16:05 - 20.01.2024
Appeal Court nullifies elections, sacks Nigeria Football Federation board
An appeal court in Abuja has sacked all members of the present NFF board in a recent ruling
13:18 - 20.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Burna Boy lands in Abidjan ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Guinea-Bissau
Burna Boy is currently in Cote d’Ivoire as Nigeria prepare to take on Guinea-Bissau in their final group game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
12:59 - 20.01.2024
Revealed: Nigeria's most creative player at the AFCON 2023
Nigeria's Super Eagles are looking to win a fourth AFCON title at the 34th edition in Cote d'Ivoire.
06:45 - 20.01.2024
Ahmed Musa declares: AFCON is not about beauty, nobody cares about technique
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa says AFCON is not about beauty or technique in reaction to comments made by Ghana's Andre Ayew.
19:57 - 19.01.2024
Ivory Coast vs Nigeria: Ex-Super Eagles boss Rohr ‘happy for his players’ after win over AFCON 2023 hosts (VIDEO)
The German gaffer was full of praise for his former wards after they beat AFCON 2023 hosts Ivory Coast