Video Shows What Stanley Nwabali Did After Super Eagles Draw Against South Africa
- The Super Eagles could only settle for a 1-1 draw during their must-win FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa
- After the game, Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali raced to the stands to reward a passionate fan
- Nigeria are now on the verge of missing another FIFA World Cup, having managed just two wins in eight matches so far
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali rushed towards the stands shortly after the 1-1 draw with South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.
Desperately needing a win, the Nigerian side went behind in the following a William Troost-Ekong own goal midway through the first half.
However, the three-time African champions restored parity after Calvin Bassey found the back of the net just before half-time.
Source: Getty Images
Despite efforts to grab the winner, there were no further goals, and it ended in a stalemate, leaving Nigeria's World Cup dreams shattered.
At the sound of the final whistle, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali rushed towards the stands to hand a passionate fan his shirt.
The supporter was captured holding a photo of the goalkeeper, with "World Class Goalkeeper" boldly written on it.
Nwabali moved to South Africa in 2022, where he joined Premier Soccer League side Chippa United, per Daily Post.
His impressive performances at the club attracted the then Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, who invited him to the national team before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
He went on to become the first-choice goalkeeper and played a crucial role as the team finished second at the continental showpiece in the Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, Supr Eagles' head coach stated that he admitted that a draw against South Africa is a good result, but admitted that it was disappointing. He said at the post-match presser:
"To draw with South Africa in South Africa is a good result, but we wanted to win, so we’re a bit disappointed tonight.
"My players are professionals, and I know they will still want to win the remaining two games. A lot can happen over the next one month.
"But before that, we will have to analyse our performance tonight, which will not be easy."
Hugo Broos reacts to Bassey's goal
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos questioned Nigeria's physical approach to the game and believes his team was the only side that wanted to play football despite the poor pitch in Bloemfontein.
The Belgian tactician added that had his side approached the match similarly, Nigeria would not have scored, which was a handball anyway. He said via All Nigeria Soccer:
“It was a game like I expected. On my side, the team that wants to play football, on the other side, a team that tried to win the game by power."
Source: Getty Images
FIFA unlikely to sanction South Africa?
Legit.ng earlier reported that South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been overshadowed by claims of fielding an ineligible player, which could cost Hugo Broos’ side dearly.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena picked up two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, which should have warranted a one-match suspension. Instead, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder played in the 2-0 victory over Lesotho.
Source: Legit.ng
