AFCON 2023: Stanley Nwabali Makes Honest Confession About His Performance Against Equatorial Guinea

• Stanley Nwabali has reacted to his performance in Nigeria's AFCON 2023 opener against Equatorial Guinea
• The Super Eagles failed to start the competition with a win as they were held by the National Thunder
• Nigeria's next game would be against the host nation, Ivory Coast, on Thursday, January 18.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has reacted to Nigeria's draw against Equatorial Guinea in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener in Ivory Coast.

Jose Peseiro's side failed to seal all three points in their AFCON opener as the National Thunder held them to a 1-1 draw at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday, January 14.

One of the major discourses in the game was Peseiro's decision to start Nwabali ahead of the other two goalkeepers.

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In an exclusive interview with Sports Brief after the game, Nwabali made an honest confession about his performance on his AFCON debut against Equatorial Guinea.

"I feel so happy to play for my country, but I don't think I had a good game today," he said.

The Chippa United goalkeeper also sent a message to Nigerians, pleading for their support despite starting the competition without a win.

"Now, we really need Nigerians to give us more support because we put the theme for the tournament as 'Let's do it again', and it is not for the team alone. Rather, it's for everyone that put on the green and white. Now is the time we need the country [Nigerians] to motivate us."

The 27-year-old shot-stopper also claimed he was not under pressure when he knew he would be starting ahead of Francis Uzoho in goal.

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"No, I am always ready in my mind, so I was not under pressure," he added.

Nwabila will hope to be in goal in the Super Eagles' next game against the host nation Ivory Coast on Thursday, January 18.

AFCON: Musa makes case for Nigeria's goalkeepers

Sports Brief previously reported that Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa aired his views on Nigeria's goalkeeping problems before the game against Equatorial Guinea.

One primary discourse Nigerian fans raised before the tournament was the issues around the goalkeeping department.

The former Leicester City forward also urged fans to give the team their full support.