Super Eagles new darling Nwabali explains why he shouted at most capped player on the pitch Iwobi

Nigeria advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday evening, beating Angola 1-0 thanks to Ademola Lookman's first half strike. 

One of the lasting images from the game came in the 59th minute when goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was pictured shouting at one of the senior players in the Super Eagles squad in Alex Iwobi. 

Seconds before, the Angolans came very close to equalizing through substitute Zini, who timed his run perfectly only to hit the post after a through ball by Show. 

Iwobi was guilty of some sloppy play in midfield which led to the Angola counter-attack that almost resulted in a goal. 

Making his 74th international appearance against the Palancas Negras, the Arsenal Hale End Academy product was the most capped player on the pitch. 

Explaining why he berated Iwobi, Nwabali told reporters in the mixed zone: "It's a team game so everyone needs to switch on, it doesn't matter so maybe it was our strategy at that moment. I don't feel like anything happened so it's okay.

"You can see we've kept four clean sheets and conceded one goal, the guys are good. Our understanding is getting better as the game goes. We keep understanding each other."

Nwabali had been rated as doubtful to face Angola after suffering a mild ligament injury during the second half of the win against the Indomitable Lions. 

The Chippa United glovesman received the medical green light to make his sixth consecutive start for the Super Eagles in the days leading up to the clash against Angola. 

Asked if he's back to full fitness, he replied: "I played ninety minutes today so I hope to keep going."

Nwabaili has become the new darling of Super Eagles fans on the back of his outstanding performances at the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast. 

The 27-year-old has a save percentage of 90.9 percent after five matches, not bettered by any other goalkeeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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