In an exclusive interview with Media Talk Africa, Super Eagles’ head coach Jose Peseiro unveiled the rationale behind the inclusion of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Peseiro, known for his meticulous approach, revealed that Nwabili’s exceptional performance for South African club Chippa United caught his attention and warranted a spot in the prestigious squad.
During his visit to Chippa United last month, Peseiro witnessed Nwabili’s prowess firsthand and was thoroughly impressed, leading to his decision to include the talented shot-stopper in the AFCON squad. Peseiro emphasized Nwabili’s standout quality, both in training and competitive matches, as a pivotal factor in his selection.
“We believe in him (Nwabili) because he showed good quality, good performance, and good capacities. Now I hope he displays the same quality he showed at his club,” Peseiro expressed emphatically during his interview with NFF TV.
At 27 years old, Nwabili will face stiff competition from Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo for a starting position in the team, showcasing the depth of talent within the Nigerian squad. Despite being capped only once at the international level by Nigeria, Nwabili’s inclusion underscores Peseiro’s confidence in his abilities and potential contributions to the team’s success in the upcoming AFCON.
Peseiro’s strategic decision to include Nwabili in the Super Eagles’ squad not only highlights the coach’s commitment to identifying and nurturing talent but also signals the emergence of a new protagonist in Nigerian football, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament in 2023.
