Stanley Nwabali: South Africa cannot match Nigeria

By Asuquo

Posted on June 2, 2024

Super Eagles have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 quarterfinal clash against Angola, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returning to training.

Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is confident that Nigeria will defeat South Africa in their upcoming World Cup qualifier because the Bafana Bafana cannot match the quality of the Nigerian squad.

27-year-old Nwabali, who emerged as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the AFCON 2023 tournament, was instrumental in helping the Super Eagles secure a second-place finish in Ivory Coast by keeping four clean sheets in seven games. His impressive form has continued at Chippa United, where he has saved spot kicks and maintained 11 clean sheets in 26 league games in the DsTV Premiership.

Ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa, Nwabali expressed his belief in the superiority of the Super Eagles squad. “Football is the same everywhere but I don’t feel with the kind of players we have, we can have any challenge in any game, especially in our group, but you cannot predict football,” Nwabali told Lagos Talks on 91.3 FM, as quoted by African Football.

READ MORE: Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze arrives Uyo for South Africa game

Nwabali hailed the quality of Nigerian players and hinted at an easy chance for victory. “I know the South Africans. We have good players in our country too so I’m not talking about those guys, they are good in their own way of playing. I’m not talking about them because if we can put ourselves together, they cannot match us.”

Nigeria will face South Africa next Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off set for 8 PM. Three days later, the Super Eagles will play against Benin Republic. Nwabali’s confidence and recent form bode well for Nigeria as they aim to secure a strong start in their World Cup qualification campaign.