Super Eagles Goalkeeper Nwabali Targets Semifinal Triumph Following Historic 44-Year Achievement
Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria achieved a remarkable feat on Friday, breaking a 44-year record for Super Eagles goalkeepers during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Nwabali, who plays as the goalkeeper for Chippa United, accomplished this milestone by securing four consecutive clean sheets in a major tournament, specifically at the ongoing AFCON.
This impressive achievement surpasses the records held by Best Ogedegbe in 1980 and Alloy Agu's three-game streak in 1990 for the Super Eagles. Nwabali's exceptional performance was pivotal in helping Jose Peseiro's team qualify for the AFCON semi-final after Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory over Angola in the quarter-final, courtesy of Ademola Lookman's goal.
Before the crucial Angola encounter, Nwabali had maintained clean sheets against formidable opponents, including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Guinea-Bissau. Having played five games in total, he conceded only one goal against Equatorial Guinea.
With the semifinal on the horizon, Nwabali aims to extend his impressive record as Nigeria faces the winner between South Africa and Cape Verde in the last-four stage of the tournament.