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Chippa United shotstopper and Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper at AFCON 2023, Stanley Nwanbali, defends his predecessor, Francis Uzoho.
Prior to the tournament in Cote d'Ivoire, Francis Uzoho, the regular choice for the Super Eagles between the sticks, became the subject of warranted scrutiny as he piled poor performances on themselves.
Enter Stanley Nwabili, the Chippa United shot-stopper, who has swiftly commandeered the number one jersey in the first two showdowns of the tournament. At 27, Nwabili isn't just a wall between the posts; he's a beacon of hope, embodying the confidence that the team desperately needs.
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15:10 - 19.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Five Reasons Nwabali Will Continue to bench Uzoho
These factors strongly suggest that Stanley Nwabali could continue to be the preferred choice over Francis Uzoho for the starting goalkeeper position in the ongoing AFCON 2023.
![[WATCH]: Nigeria's Nwabali wins CAF's save of the day with stunner against Ivory Coast](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/19012024/f849d55a-a52d-4766-8f20-6a9578ff7873.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
14:41 - 19.01.2024
[WATCH]: Nigeria's Nwabali wins CAF's save of the day with stunner against Ivory Coast
Stanley Nwabali kept his first clean sheet at AFCON 2023 for Nigeria Super Eagles against Ivory Coast.
"When the coach believes in you, you bring more confidence with you to the team," Nwabili shared with BBC Sport Africa. His words were not just a statement, but a battle cry for the Super Eagles. "I feel like I can do more to bring that confidence in to the team. I don't feel like Nigeria has seen my top performance."
Nwabili defends Uzoho
Nwabili is not one to forget the comradeship between the sticks. He leapt to the defence of his predecessor, Uzoho, amidst the harsh criticisms lashing out from all corners.
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"Francis is a good guy and I don't know why they talk about him. It was unfair, to be honest. He deserved better," he asserted. This show of solidarity underscores the depth of character in the Nigerian squad. Nwabili added, "It's our first time working together - he is good."
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Nwabili, not just for his saves but for the unity and confidence he brings to a team standing at the crossroads of criticism and expectation.
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