In a dramatic semi-final clash at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Nigeria emerged victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout against South Africa, securing a spot in the AFCON final. The Super Eagles triumphed 4-2 on penalties after a captivating 1-1 draw that unfolded over 120 minutes of intense football.
Nigeria initially appeared to have sealed the win with a late goal from Victor Osimhen, only for VAR to intervene, awarding South Africa a penalty that forced the match into extra time. The subsequent penalty shootout witnessed goalkeeping heroics from Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali, who saved two crucial spot-kicks, ultimately propelling his team to the final.
Nwabali's standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award, but the humble goalkeeper was quick to redirect praise to his teammates and the team's overall performance.
“It has been a good team performance throughout this tournament. I really appreciate the management and coaches,” Nwabali said, emphasizing the collective effort of the Super Eagles.
Despite becoming the penalty shootout hero, Nwabali acknowledged the importance of the team's unity and spirit. He particularly praised head coach Jose Peseiro, highlighting the motivational impact of the coach's visit to him in South Africa before AFCON.
“When the coach informed me he was coming to visit, for me it was one of the biggest things. A coach to come visit was a motivation. When he said he was coming, I was really pleased,” Nwabali remarked.
The goalkeeper's humility and dedication to the team have endeared him to Nigerian fans, and his penalty heroics against South Africa will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Nigeria's AFCON journey.
