Stanley Nwabali: Chippa United Give Nigeria Goalkeeper Hero’s Welcome After Superb 2023 AFCON

• Nigeria's new hero, Stanley Nwabali, is back at Chippa United in South Africa
• The goalkeeper was given a lovely welcome after his exploits at the 2023 AFCON
• The 27-year-old was one of the Super Eagles' standout players in Ivory Coast

Stanley Nwabali has emerged weeks after the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chuippa United gave the Nigeria goalkeeper a colourful welcome to celebrate his wonderful performances at the tournament in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper was one of the best players at the tournament and contributed to his country's impressive ruin in the final.

Unfortunately, Nwabali and Nigeria suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, denying them their fourth continental crown.

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The 27-year-old had barely featured for Nigeria before the tournament but ended it as a hero to the Nigerians. he kept four clean sheets in seven matches, per GOAL.

He recently returned to his club in South Africa and has been given a warm welcome by the fans, players and staff.

Chippa United posted photos on Instagram showing Nwabali sharing a heartwarming moment with fans while wearing his medal. Despite playing a part in South Africa's elimination from the tournament, the goalkeeper was all smiles.

Nwabali was celebrated by Nigerians all over the world for his performances in Ivory Coast.

Nwabali honoured with chieftaincy

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

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The goalkeeper also 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.

Rufai on Nwabali

Sports Brief also reported on Nigeria legend Peter Rufai saying Nwabali deserves to be the No. 1 goalkeeper for the Super Eagles.

The 1994 AFCON winner said that Nwabali has done enough to become the nation's starting goalkeeper over Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye.

His two competitors were ahead of him in the pecking order, but it is clear they will need to do more to unseat him.