Watch: Stanley Nwabali returns to South Africa in style, gets king’s welcome from Chippa United fans after AFCON heroics

Stanley Nwabali played a vital role in helping Nigeria knock out South Africa from the AFCON, but he is a hero in Chippa United fans’ hearts

South African fans organized a special welcome for Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali on his return to the country on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nwabali was one of the revelations at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He was a relatively unknown figure before the competition started in January, but he rose to prominence after coach Jose Peseiro picked him to man the sticks instead of Francis Uzoho in Nigeria’s first game against Equatorial Guinea.

The Chippa United star went on to play all of Nigeria’s games in the tournament. Nwabali’s brilliance was further accentuated in the semi-final when he made two penalty saves in the shoot-out to help the Super Eagles progress at the expense of the Bafana Bafana.

Unfortunately, Nwabali failed to help the Super Eagles claim the trophy, but he was one of the best players in the tournament. Since the end of the AFCON, the 27-year-old shot-stopper has been on holiday.

However, he made his return to South Africa on Wednesday, and he was treated to a beautiful welcome by Chippa United fans at the airport. Even some of the airport staff posed for pictures with him.

Chippa United will resume action in the South African Premier League on March 1, and Nwabaki will be looking to get into the mix as soon as possible. The Nigerian goalkeeper has already made 15 appearances in the league this season.