SUPER Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been honoured with a chieftancy title in his hometown in Rivers State following his stellar performances at the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Chippa United goalkeeper, 27, played a key role as the Super Eagles reached the final of the continental showpiece, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday, February 11.
Nwabali was one of the best goalkeepers at the tournament, keeping four clean sheets and conceding only four goals in seven games. He also saved two penalties in the shootout as the Super Eagles defeated South Africa in the semi-finals.
The former Enyimba, Wikki Tourists and Katsina United goalkeeper was yesterday conferred with the Ugo Egbema (The Pride of Egbema Kingdom) title by the traditional ruler of Egbema Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Nzeobi Evaritus Amida.
The King said the title given to Nwabali was in recognition of the honour the goalkeeper brought to Egbema Kingdom with his excellent performances for the Super Eagles in Cote d’Ivoire.
Nwabali was given a hero’s welcome by his hometown yesterday, with hundreds of people cheering when he emerged, many of them shouting ‘number one’ in reference to his goalkeeping role.
Prior to yesterday’s honour, Nwabali was hosted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who rewarded him with N20 million cash and a state award.
The goalkeeper was also given a land, an apartment in Abuja and the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national title along with his Super Eagles teammates by President Bola Tinubu last week for their AFCON 2023 outing.
