Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali wins award after stunning display for Chippa United ahead of Rwanda, Zimbabwe games

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali delivered a commanding performance for Chippa United, earning the Man of the Match award in their goalless draw against Richards Bay on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nwabali's excellent display is a timely return to form ahead of the Super Eagles‘ upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

The 28-year-old shot-stopper was the standout performer at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, pulling off a series of outstanding saves to ensure Chippa United secured a vital point on the road.

Despite sitting just above the South African Premier Soccer League relegation zone, Richards Bay dominated the contest, registering seven shots and winning eight corners.

However, Nwabali stood tall to deny the hosts, with key stops from Justice Figuareido, Moses Mthembu, Keegan Allan, and Ntlonelo Bomelo.

The highlight of his display came in the 17th minute when Figuareido unleashed a curling right-footed effort from outside the box towards the top corner — only for Nwabali to produce a stunning save to push the ball away from danger.

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His heroics ensured Chippa United secured their second clean sheet of the season, earning Nwabali deserved recognition as the best footballer on the pitch, as he picked up the best player award.

Not been easy healing❤️‍. Man Of The Match and a clean sheet. All thanks to the team ❤️. We go again #cleansheet #Nwabali #SafeHands #MVP pic.twitter.com/IcU1IsBx7Q

— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) March 1, 2025

Nwabali's return to top form comes at the perfect time for Nigeria, with head coach Eric Chelle set to name his squad for November’s World Cup qualifiers.

The former Enyimba goalkeeper has been under scrutiny following a dip in performances in recent weeks, which coincided with the tragic loss of both his parents earlier this year.

However, his latest display will provide a confidence boost as he looks to cement his place as Nigeria’s undisputed number one — a role he made his own with a series of standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nwabali kept four clean sheets at the tournament, including shutouts against Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola, as Nigeria reached the final for the first time in 11 years.

With Udinese's Maduka Okoye recovering from hand surgery and Francis Uzoho struggling for game time at Omonia Nicosia, Nwabali’s resurgence could not have come at a better time for the Super Eagles.

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Greg Etafia: Stanley Nwabali will bounce back

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Greg Etafia has backed Nwabali to rediscover his best form, revealing he has been in regular contact with the Chippa United star.

“I tell him that there are some things he needs to let go of and try to focus on because football is his life, and for him to be where he is now is because of his passion for the game,” Etafia said as per Sports247.

“Right now, he just needs to concentrate on getting himself back to where he belongs and trying to help Nigeria. It’s very difficult — if you’re not in his shoes, you can’t understand what he’s going through.”

Etafia added: “But I speak to him from time to time, trying to encourage him and let him know that he has to do what he has to do in terms of making himself happy, and football gives him that joy. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the country. I just hope that before the qualifier against Rwanda and Zimbabwe — a must-win for Nigeria — he’ll be in the right state of mind and do Nigeria proud.”

With Nigeria facing two crucial qualifiers, Nwabali’s resurgence could prove pivotal as the Super Eagles aim to make a winning start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.