Stanley Nwabali: Nigeria Goalkeeper Relishes Clash Against South Africa’s Saviour Ronwen Williams

• Stanley Nwabali eagerly anticipates facing South Africa's Ronwen Williams
• The Super Eagles tackle Bafana Bafana in the AFCON 2023 semi-final tonight
• The Chippa United goalkeeper praised players in the Premier Soccer League

The upcoming clash between Nigeria and South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals tonight is generating immense excitement, particularly for Stanley Nwabali.

The Chippa United goalkeeper has been a standout performer for the Super Eagles, boasting an impressive four clean sheets in the tournament thus far.

Nwabali has expressed his admiration for the talent showcased by Premier Soccer League (PSL) players at the tournament in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly highlighting the skills of South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

"I've been eager to face competitors from my domestic league since the group stage. Playing against players like Mshishi Zwane and Ronwen Williams on an international stage is a thrilling prospect for me," Nwabali said, as quoted by Idiski Times.

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The clash promises to showcase two of the most disciplined defences in the tournament. Nwabali, under the guidance of coach Jose Peseiro, will go head-to-head with Williams, whose penalty-saving heroics played a pivotal role in South Africa's quarterfinal victory over Cape Verde.

Both goalkeepers have kept four clean sheets each, positioning them as strong contenders for the title of tournament's best goalkeeper, currently held by Edouard Mendy.

However, statistics reveal that the number of clean sheets doesn't always reflect the number of saves made. Mauritania's Babacar Niasse leads in this aspect, making 15 saves out of 18 shots.

Nwabali has conceded just once and ranks 10th on the list, with the Nigerian defence limiting opponents to only 11 shots on target. Williams, on the other hand, is in fifth place, having successfully saved 12 out of 14 shots faced.

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As anticipation builds for the Peace Stadium of Bouaké showdown, all eyes will be on Nwabali and Williams as they aim to secure victory for their respective nations.

Nigeria have lost five of their last six semi-final games in the Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa last reached this stage of the tournament back in 2000, as reported by the Standard.

Chippa United Chairman backs Nwabali

Sports Brief reported that Chippa United chairman, Siviwe Chippa, declared support for the Super Eagles over Bafana.

Hours before the eagerly anticipated showdown, the chairman released a lengthy statement explaining why he is backing his country's opponents.

Whoever wins tonight will seal a place in the final set for Sunday, February 11.