WATCH: Nwabali returns to his Rivers village a hero, gets traditional title

The Super Eagles star was quite unknown before the AFCON, but his exploits in the competition have endeared him to fans

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was conferred a chieftaincy title over the weekend, following his impressive performance at the AFCON, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nwabali has enjoyed an incredible ascent in the last two months. The Chippa United star was relatively unknown before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. However, he got invited to Nigeria’s first-team squad, and he took over the number 1 spot at the AFCON.

The 27-year-old star impressed over the course of the tournament, keeping four clean sheets, including two saves in the penalty shoot-out against South Africa.

Unfortunately, he could not help the Super Eagles to lift the trophy, as they fell to a 2-1 loss to Cote d’Ivoire in the final.

Nonetheless, following the Super Eagles’ performance at the AFCON, they were treated to a fine welcome by the Nigerian government. They were honoured with the Member of the Order of the Niger(MON) title and rewarded with houses and lands.

In a new development, Nwabali returned to his hometown last weekend, and he was treated to a hero’s welcome. The Chippa United star was also honoured with a chieftaincy title.

Nwabali was conferred the title of Ugo Egbema “The Pride of Egbema Kingdom” in recognition of his performance at the AFCON.