‘It Was Like a Classic Wedding’: How Stanley Nwabali Was Welcomed in His Village After AFCON Show

• Stanley Nwabali received a king-like welcome in his village, Rivers State
• The Super Eagles goalie emerged as a breakout star at the 2023 AFCON
• He has since received $70k, land, chieftaincy tiles, and national honours

Stanley Nwabali was given a regal welcome in his hometown in Rivers State, basking in the glory of his remarkable performance at the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.

Nwabali, who dislodged No. 1 goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, emerged as a standout figure at the 34th edition of the AFCON, showcasing his exceptional goalkeeping skills for the Super Eagles, who came agonisingly close to clinching the coveted title.

The Chippa United shot-stopper played a pivotal role in Nigeria's journey to the AFCON final, earning acclaim as one of the tournament's standout performers despite falling short against Ivory Coast.

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Nwabali returns home, gets king-like treatment

Although he narrowly missed out on the Golden Glove Award, which went to South Africa's Ronwen Williams, Nwabali was hailed as a hero upon his return to his village, per Soccernet.ng.

While many of his Nigerian teammates have resumed club duties, the 27-year-old, who featured in every match under Jose Peseiro's leadership, opted to stay behind and share his triumph with his local community.

In a video circulating online, throngs of supporters can be seen flocking to the venue of the celebration, demonstrating the overwhelming pride of the community in welcoming back their revered son, who had brought honour to Rivers State.

River State's historic Nwabali reception

Fisayo Dairo, a Nigerian journalist based in River State, shared exclusive insights with Sports Brief, vividly depicting the jubilant atmosphere as the community rallied together to honour their beloved hero.

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"It was extraordinary. The occasion was like a classic traditional wedding in southern Nigeria, in which the young and old trooped out en masse to welcome their hero.

"There were cultural displays, there were prayers, there was plenty of food and drinks to eat and there was the presence of top dignitaries from his local government of origin."

When questioned whether River State has ever commemorated any of its former sporting heroes in a similar fashion, Dairo remarked:

"I think it will be the first in recent memories because it was actually his own people that engineered it, not the state. Down to his hometown was where it was held."

"I know Rivers State had players like Joseph Yobo and Taribo West that played for the national team in the past but none of them had this kind of reception at any time. Not even when Yobo won the AFCON in 2013."

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Chieftaincy title conferred on Nwabali

Sports Brief also reported that the traditional ruler of Egbema Kingdom in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty Nzeobi Evaritus Amida, has bestowed a chieftaincy title upon Nwabali.

Nwabali was honoured with the title "The Pride of Egbema Kingdom," the highest distinction accorded to an individual in his hometown in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Previously, the 27-year-old goalkeeper received a reward of N20 million from the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and was also recognised with the honour of the Distinguished Service Star of River State.