Stanley Nwabali Discusses Kaizer Chiefs Links and Pride in Playing for Super Eagles at AFCON 2023

• Stanley Nwabali was impressive for Nigeria in their opening draw with Equatorial Guinea
• The Chippa United goalkeeper has been considered a possible replacement at Kaizer Chiefs
• Amakhosi will need a long-term replacement for the ageing goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune

Big stages reveal the grand performers.

Nigeria's goalkeeping AFCON debutant, Stanley Nwabali, is becoming hot property back in South Africa after a commanding display in the Super Eagles' opener.

The result may not have been what the football-mad nation would have wanted, but there were plenty of positives to draw from for Nigeria.

Speaking exclusively to Sports Brief, the Nigeria and Chippa United goalkeeper elaborated on his pride in wearing the Nigeria national team jersey and certain rumours circulating around Naturena.

The goalkeeper sets himself high standards so was not happy to concede against Equatorial Guinea, but was grateful for the positive response.

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Highlighting the personal importance of fulfilling his dream to play for the Super Eagles and the competition for the number one spot, Nwabali stated:

"To me, it means a lot. Even getting the call-up. Starting the game, even now, I don't know how I am feeling. I am so excited, it is something I can never forget in my life."

Kaizer Chiefs will need to address their goalkeeping situation in the months to come. Itumeleng Khune may have impressed in the Carling Knockout All-Star match but is still nearing the end of his career.

Addressing the links to the Amakhosi, Nwabali was quick to put them aside, saying:

"Talking about Kaizer Chiefs, to me it is just a rumour. It is not something I have got in my head because I have not seen anything coming."

Pressed on the source of the rumours and how he would feel about such a move, he added:

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"When this kind of club looks at you, it means you are doing something good, even if it is a rumour. I just pray all the rumours shall come to pass."

Nigeria's next game is against the hosts Ivory Coast on January 18 in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.

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Olorunleke Ojo dampens Ivorian buzz

Sports Brief recently reported on Super Eagles goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo's call for support from Nigerians.

The shot-stopper was responding to comments made by Ivorian legend, Yaya Toure, ahead of the teams' clash.

Toure stated that Ivory Coast would ease to victory over Nigeria but Ojo claimed Nigeria would go all the way.