Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been shortlisted for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year (Men) award at the CAF Awards 2025, capping off a phenomenal year for the Super Eagles’ shot-stopper.
The Confederation of African Football released a ten-man shortlist featuring the continent’s finest goalkeepers: André Onana (Cameroon), Vozinha (Cape Verde), Ahmed El Shenawy (Egypt), Munir Mohamedi (Morocco), Yassine Bounou (Morocco), Édouard Mendy (Senegal), Marc Diouf (Senegal), Ronwen Williams (South Africa), Aymen Dahmen (Tunisia), and Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria).
Nwabali’s inclusion follows a stellar campaign for Nigeria at the AFCON 2023, where he produced crucial penalty saves against South Africa to help the Super Eagles reach the final. Currently playing for Chippa United in South Africa’s Premier Division, Nwabali’s composure, command, and reflexes have elevated him among Africa’s best.
His journey from Go Round FC to Enyimba International, and then to professional prominence in South Africa, mirrors his resilience and determination. This nomination marks another proud moment for Nigeria as the country continues to produce world-class football talents capable of dominating Africa’s biggest stages.
If Nwabali wins, he would become the first Nigerian goalkeeper in over a decade to claim continental recognition, reaffirming the country’s long tradition of exceptional football excellence.
