Nigeria 2-1 Ghana: Nwabali's assured display for Super Eagles shows he's going nowhere soon

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali once again proved his mettle as he delivered another impressive performance between the posts for Nigeria.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Nwabali guided the Super Eagles to a deserved 2-1 victory over Ghana in a friendly match in Marrakech, Morocco on Friday evening. 

His exceptional display included a series of remarkable saves that thwarted the relentless attacks of the Black Stars, who looked especially deadly from set pieces. 

Nwabali, as was the case on occasions in the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, helped to secure Nigeria's first win over their rivals since 2006.

Despite conceding a late penalty kick converted by Jordan Ayew, the 27-year-old demonstrated his unwavering determination to retain his position as the team's primary goalkeeper, fending off competition from Francis Uzoho, Ojo Olorunleke, and the overlooked Maduka Okoye. 

Nwabali's ascent to the role of Nigeria's top shot-stopper during the AFCON 2023 tournament marked a turning point in his career, and he has continued to excel ever since.

The Chippa man was beaten by a slim margin to the goalkeeper of the tournament in AFCON 2023 after an iconic debut for the Super Eagles.

But with in-form Udinese goalkeeper Okoye ready to make a return to the team after his 2021 hiatus, Nwabali reminded Super Eagles of his ability. 

Nwabali showed not just his confidence and command, but also composure on the ball as interim manager Finidi George introduced the players to a new style of play. 

The likes of Uzoho, the former number, Ojo, the Enyimba skipper, and Okoye will have to double their hustle to wrestle that starting berth from the confident chief, Nwabali.