Don’t let their shout get to you - Ex-Super Eagles star urges Nwabali to ignore the praise

Nigerian midfielder John Ogu has sent words of advice to Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali following praises coming his way at the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023. 

Ogu has told Nwabali to ignore the shout of praises and stay focused after his performance in Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 victory against host Ivory Coast on Thursday evening. 

The former NPFL star and the Super Eagles claimed a first clean sheet and win after that shaky start to the 34th AFCON in the opener against Equatorial Guinea.

Nwabali’s confidence and calmness in between the sticks proved to be decisive as Jose Peseiro’s Eagles masterminded a historic win against the Elephants to revive their 2023 AFCON dream.

The Chippa United goalkeeper’s brilliant contribution to the crucial win, which saw William Troost-Ekong net the crucial winner from the spot, has been widely extolled by Nigerian football fans and pundits alike.

However, Ogu has reminded the former Wikki Tourist man to ignore his glorifiers and stay focused in Cote d’Ivoire.

“Dear NWABALI, don’t let all this their shout get to you o!!” Ogu posted on his official social media account on X. 

“Stay focus and work hard, E get why !!” the former Super Eagles midfielder’s post added. 

Nigeria’s win against Cote d’Ivoire earned the Super Eagles their first win at the AFCON 2023, moving the team up to second place in Group A, behind Equatorial Guinea, who lead the group thanks to their superior goal difference.