Super Eagles' shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali dominates AFCON with impressive save rate

Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has emerged as the ultimate star at the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023, after emerging as the goalkeeper with the highest save percentage. 

Nwabali kept two clean sheets as Nigeria’s Super Eagles finished second in Group A to qualify for the AFCON 2023 round of 16. 

According to Fotmob through Opta, the 27-year-old has recorded an astonishing 88.9% save rate at the AFCON. 

The Nigerian beats Mali’s Djiui Diarra, 87.5% and South Africa’s Rowen Williams, who has a save rate of 80%.

Nwabali has proven to be an inspired addition to the Super Eagles team following doubts around former number Francis Uzoho heading into the competition. 

However, the Chippa United shot-stopper has effectively made the number one shirt his following his official AFCON debut against Equatorial Guinea.

Apart from his confidence and calmness in between the sticks, the former Wikki Tourist man has proven virtually unbeatable through the group stage, pulling off jaw-dropping stops, including a save of the day winner, to cement his status as AFCON's top keeper statistically so far. 

Apart from his remarkable save rate, Nwabali has also registered other interesting stats in the AFCON 2023.

He has averaged 2.7 saves per game, 7.7 balls recovered, and two clean sheets in two matches. 

His impressive reflexes, positioning and calming presence have made Nwabali a fan favourite back home as Nigeria targets a fourth AFCON triumph since 2013. 

With the knockout phase now here, the country will be counting on their breath of fresh (from Uzoho) between the sticks to lead them to glory.