Nigeria Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been named Man of the Match after his outstanding performance helped Nigeria secure a spot in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United, made two crucial penalty saves in the shootout, leading his team to a 4-2 victory after the game ended 1-1 after extra time.
Throughout the tournament, the 27-year-old has kept four clean sheets and only conceded two goals in 90 minutes of play.
In the 67th minute, Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the box, giving Nigeria the lead. However, a VAR intervention ruled out Osimhen’s subsequent goal due to a foul in the buildup, awarding a penalty to South Africa.
South Africa took advantage of the opportunity, equalizing the score 1-1 with a well-placed penalty by Teboho Mokoena.
The match remained tense in extra time, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. South Africa was even reduced to ten men after a crucial tackle led to a red card.
Ultimately, the match was decided by penalties, with Nigeria emerging as the victors with a 4-2 scoreline, partly thanks to Nwabili’s heroics in goal.
Next, the Super Eagles will face the winner of the second semifinal game between Ivory Coast and DR Congo in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
