Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has stolen the spotlight again, this time donning the colours of South African club Chippa United.
Nwakali kept a clean sheet and saved a late penalty to lead Chippa United to a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the quarterfinals of the prestigious Nedbank Cup played inside the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday.
As the match neared its climax with Chippa clinging to a precarious 1-0 lead, fate beckoned Nwabali to the forefront when TS Galaxy were awarded a penalty.
In a breathtaking display of agility and anticipation, he denied TS Galaxy’s South African defender Pogiso Sanoka from the penalty spot, preserving Chippa United’s slender advantage with a timely dive to his right.
Chippa United eventually sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory, secured by Roscoe Heinrich’s stoppage-time penalty.
With the win, Nwabali and his teammates are through to the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup.
Following the pulsating encounter, Nwabali took to social media to bask in the glory of his accomplishment, sharing a snippet of his remarkable penalty save on Twitter with the caption, “This is my office!! Another clean sheet in the bag, back-to-back Nedbank Cup match wins prior to great team performance. Onto the next round! Chili boys.”
This is my office!! Another clean sheet in the bag, back to back Nedbank Cup match win prior to great team performance. Onto the next round! Chili boys 🌶#Nwabali #SafeHands pic.twitter.com/QZpbyWaDhB
— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) April 15, 2024
Nwabali’s prowess in thwarting penalties is no novelty, evidenced by his standout performances during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
In Nigeria’s seminal clash against South Africa, he emerged as the linchpin of Nigeria’s triumph.
After the two nations played out a 1-1 draw at full-time, Nigeria triumphed in the ensuing penalty shootout, beating the Bafana Bafana 4-2 on penalties.
Nwabali saved the penalty shots of Mokoena and Makgopa to help the Super Eagles reach the AFCON final.
The rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa will be reawakened in June as both countries meet again in the qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles will host the Bafana Bafana in Uyo on June 7.
A win will see third-place Nigeria overtake South Africa, who are second in Group C behind leaders Rwanda.
