Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has praised Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for his outstanding performances in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. Mikel emphasized that Nwabali has garnered widespread acclaim, emerging as a standout player in the tournament due to his exceptional displays for Nigeria.

The ex-Super Eagles captain highlighted the Chippa United shot-stopper’s growing popularity among Nigerian fans, attributing it to his remarkable contributions on the field. Mikel expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance and singled out the goalkeeper for special praise. In an episode of The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said, “He’s based in Africa and he’s managed to become the talk of the tournament, he’s become one of the favourites for the Nigerian fans. He’s put in very good performances.”

Nwabali’s stellar record at the 2023 AFCON speaks for itself, having kept four clean sheets and only conceding a single goal. His crucial save during the match against Angola drew accolades, with Mikel acknowledging its pivotal impact on the game’s outcome. Looking ahead, Nwabali is anticipated to play a significant role for Jose Peseiro’s squad as they face South Africa in the upcoming semi-final clash on Wednesday.