A former international goalkeeper, Joseph Dosu, has paid glowing tribute to Super Eagles new goaltender, Stanley Nwabali, following the Chippa United man’s heroics between the sticks at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’ Ivoire.
After a serious goalkeeping crisis in the Super Eagles, the former Lobi Stars and Katsina United goalkeeper was drafted into the team as a possible replacement for Francis Uzoho who had failed to justify his rating as the number one keeper.
Interestingly, Nwabali didn’t only make the 2023 AFCON squad but has started all four matches the Super Eagles have played so far in Cote d’ Ivoire.
With three clean sheets under his belt already, the Chippa United of South Africa keeper who got injured in the Round of 16 battle with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon last Saturday appears to have tied down the goalkeeping role in the Super Eagles.
Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, Dosu who had three camps for the Super Eagles after Nigeria’s resounding victory at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics said for some time now, Nigerian football fans have been asking for a good goalkeeper and they have found one in Nwabali.
Dosu said “He has done very well. Nwabali is a complete goalkeeper. Maybe he is the one Nigerian football fans have been asking for.
“He has exhibited high level confidence as if he has been in the team for a long time. He commands his area very well. His timing and kicks are near perfect,” said Dosu.
The former Julius Berger of Lagos goalkeeper whose blossoming career was cut short by an automobile crash in Lagos in 1997 also said Nwabali has raised the stakes so any other goalkeeper should be prepared to maintain or surpass the standard he has set.
“I am praying for him (Nwabali) to recover before the next match against Angola. His aerial command and confidence in goal will go a long way in helping the Super Eagles to win.
“In case he is not back, Uzoho or Ojo Olorunleke must maintain the standard he has set. They can’t go lower than what Nigerians have enjoyed from their new goalkeeper.
“I repeat that with Nwabali, Super Eagles goalpost is secured but he must work harder to maintain the standard,” said Dosu.
