Stanley Nwabali Speaks on His Prematch Ritual, Names Idol Ahead of South Africa Clash: Video

• Stanley Nwabali has been one of the standout players of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The shot-stopper is poised to star when the Super Eagles face off against Bafana Bafana
• The Chippa United goalkeeper has opened up on his pre-match rituals ahead of the match

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been a competition of a flurry of unsung heroes.

From Equatorial Guinea’s versatile Emilio Nsue, who seamlessly transitions from full-back to striker, to South Africa’s goalkeeping hero, Ronwen Williams, the showpiece in Ivory Coast has been nothing short of enthralling.

However, among the array of stars that have emerged at the showpiece, one who has continued to dominate the headline is Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali.

The 27-year-old Super Eagles shot-stopper has taken to the tournament like a duck to water.

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Football

His confidence and impeccable keeping have placed him high on the list of many to claim the prize as the 'goalkeeper of the tournament' at the 2023 edition of the AFCON.

As anticipation builds for the crucial semi-final showdown against South Africa's Bafana Bafana, Nwabali has shared insights into his pre-match rituals and revealed the goalkeeper he admires most.

Nwabali on his pre-match ritual

The Super Eagles goalkeeper, engaging in a rapid-fire interview with Nigerian football expert, Poojamedia, candidly shared his approach to games and his basic pre-match routine.

"I enjoy playing my PlayStation before matches. I find inspiration in watching my role model, Manuel Neuer [Bayern Munich's goalkeeper], before every game."

"Even in the dressing room, I always watch him, and playing my PlayStation is a must before stepping onto the field," Nwabali stated.

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Football

The shot-stopper's pre-match ritual may seem conventional compared to some other football stars' seemingly eccentric routines.

However, Nigerians who are captivated by the former Enyimba star's goalkeeping heroics will be hopeful that he maintains his form as the nation pushes towards its first Cup of Nations title since 2013.

Hugo Broos names Nigeria’s deadliest striker

Sports Brief also previously reported that the coach of South Africa's Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos, has identified Nigeria's most lethal attacker.

Despite the abundance of attacking talents present within the Nigerian national team, the 71-year-old coach made a somewhat surprising selection.

Broos opted for a choice different from the widely acclaimed striker, Victor Osimhen, whom many would have expected to be an obvious pick.