Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali has received a nomination for the prestigious CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award. The 28-year-old goalkeeper for Chippa United is in a highly competitive field featuring elite shot-stoppers from across Africa.
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Nwabali faces tough competition from nine other distinguished nominees, including André Onana of Manchester United and Ronwen Williams from Mamelodi Sundowns. The nominee list highlights a blend of talent with notable names like Oussama Benbot from USM Algiers, Djigui Diarra of Young Africans, and Mostafa Shobeir from Al Ahly.
Also in contention are Amanallah Memmiche (Tunisia), Lionel Mpasi (DR Congo, Rodez AF), Yahia Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire, Angers SCO), and Munir El Kajoui (Morocco, RS Berkane).
Nwabali’s journey to this nomination has been remarkable. Prior to joining Chippa United in 2022, he showcased his skills in the Nigerian Professional Football League with clubs like Wikki Tourists, Enyimba, Lobi Stars, and Katsina United. His international debut came in 2021 during a friendly match against Mexico.
However, he truly made his mark during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December 2023, establishing himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.
His standout performances included four clean sheets in seven matches, notably in the semi-final against South Africa, where he saved two penalties in a tense shootout, earning him the Man of the Match award.
These exceptional displays have secured him a well-deserved nomination for the continent’s best goalkeeper award.
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Full List of CAF Best Goalkeeper of the Year Nominees:
Oussama Benbot (Algeria and USM Algiers)
André Onana (Cameroon and Manchester United)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns)
Djigui Diarra (Mali and Young Africans)
Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt and Al Ahly)
Amanallah Memmiche (Tunisia and ES Tunis)
Lionel Mpasi (DR Congo and Rodez AF)
Yahia Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire and Angers SCO)
Munir El Kajoui (Morocco and RS Berkane)
