More recognition continues to flow in the direction of the Chippa United goalie after his excellent AFCON showing
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has conferred upon Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali the second highest honour in the state, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwabali is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State following his excellent performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State is second only to the highest honour in the land, the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS).
Nwabali became the darling of millions of soccer-loving Nigerians after becoming Nigeria’s biggest revelation at the AFCON.
The 27-year-old goalie, who had no competitive cap for Nigeria before the Super Eagles’ first game in Ivory Coast, finished as one of the best shot-stoppers at the continental championships.
Nwabali kept four clean sheets to help the Eagles reach the final for the first time in eleven years.
The Chippa United goalkeeper, together with his Super Eagles teammates and team officials, has already received the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) honour from the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He will now add the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State to his cherished collection.
Governor Fubara also announced a N20 million reward for Nwabali.
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro and his assistant George Finidi attended the ceremony, where they also received a gift of N30 million.