Stanley Nwabali of the Super Eagles has etched his name in the annals of African football history during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper’s outstanding performance has garnered widespread acclaim, with him equaling a 44-year record after securing yet another clean sheet in Nigeria’s 1-0 quarter-finals victory over Angola.
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Nwabali’s achievement mirrors the feat of former goalkeeper Best Ogedegbe, who held the record for four consecutive clean sheets in 1980, a year when Nigeria clinched their first continental title.
The Chippa United goalkeeper’s remarkable run has surpassed the accomplishments of past stalwarts, making him the first Eagles goalkeeper in 44 years to achieve such a remarkable feat.
The Super Eagles’ custodian has been a formidable force throughout the tournament, keeping a clean sheet in four out of five games.
His stellar performance was instrumental in Nigeria’s progression to the semi-finals, solidifying their quest for a fourth AFCON title. Nwabali’s feat includes consecutive clean sheets against Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola, showcasing a level of goalkeeping excellence rarely witnessed in major tournaments.
CAF (Confederation of African Football) is now celebrating Nwabali’s contribution to the Super Eagles’ defensive solidity.
The goalkeeper’s resilience was evident from the tournament’s onset, as he conceded only once in the opening game against Equatorial Guinea.
As Nigeria prepares for the semi-finals, where they will face the winners between South Africa and Cape Verde, Nwabali aims to claim the record outright.
His remarkable consistency and ability to keep the opposition at bay have not only propelled the Super Eagles in the tournament but also earned him accolades from football enthusiasts and the football governing body on the continent.
