[WATCH]: Nwabali mobbed by Super Eagles stars during man of the match award ceremony

Nigeria's penalty shootout hero Stanley Nwabali was mobbed by jubilant teammates as he collected the man of the match award following the Super Eagles' dramatic semifinal victory over South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that a video of the players appreciating the goalkeeper found it way to social media moment after the Super Eagles defeated South Africa 4-2 via penalty shootout on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old was the hero of the day after he stopped two spot kicks against the ten-man Bafana Bafana side following a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. 

Nwabali was named man of the match despite conceding his first goal in four matches at the 34th AFCON.

A photo tweeted by Official54fx shows Nwabali being mobbed as he collected the award in celebration after his saves helped Nigeria secure a return to the AFCON final. 

The emotional scenes underline Nwabali's emerging talismanic status after his latest commanding display between the sticks for the Super Eagles. 

With Nwabali in inspired form, Nigeria will head into Sunday's final against hosts Cote d'Ivoire full of belief they can capture a fourth AFCON crown.

The Super Eagles last won the last AFCON 10 years ago in South Africa after a 1-0 win against Burkina Faso.