Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has explained how his understanding of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush played a crucial role in his penalty saves during Nigeria’s shootout win over Egypt on Saturday evening.
Nwabali delivered an outstanding display as the Super Eagles edged the Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties after a goalless contest in regulation time, stopping spot-kicks from both Salah and Marmoush.
Speaking after the match, the Chippa United captain said he did not analyse their penalties in advance but relied on his general knowledge of the players from watching them regularly at club level.
“Mohamed Salah is one of the greatest players in Africa, probably in the World,” Nwabali said.
“Talking about Marmoush, I do watch them, not like I watch their penalties, I watch them play for their clubs.”
The goalkeeper admitted that denying both players from the spot was a personal objective and a landmark moment in his career.
“I feel like it is going to be my greatest moment to save these guys penalties,” he revealed.
“It is just my target in this penalty shootout because saving Mohamed Salah’s penalty is a boost for me. I feel like it is a boost for me.”
Nwabali’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award and capped an impressive tournament, where he conceded only four goals and kept four clean sheets, without letting in a single goal during the knockout stages.