Stanley Nwabali: I wanted to bring AFCON trophy for Chippa United boss

Last week, Mpengesi and the club caused a frenzy in the country when he openly declared his support for Nigeria over his home country South Africa prior to their semi-final clash, due to their allegiance to their number-one goalkeeper. 

Following their 2-1 final defeat to hosts Côte d'Ivoire, the 27-year-old said it would have been better if he was bringing the AFCON trophy back to Mpengesi to celebrate, as the outpouring of support from the chairman was something truly special.

"To be really honest, I wish I could bring the cup to celebrate with him, to be really honest. He had been wishing me well, and I wish you could see his message," said Nwabali.

"I really appreciate everything he has done for me. The messages, the calls, and everything. I really appreciate it, to be really honest."

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles star conceded that Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams fully deserved the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations goalkeeper of the tournament award.

"No, Ronnie Williams is a good goalkeeper, to be honest. It's not like it's news to me, him winning. He deserves it, to be honest," he added.

"He's a very good goalkeeper and competing with this kind of guy – and him having the chance to win best goalkeeper of the tournament, he deserves it and I wish him well, I give him credit."

Williams finished the AFCON with five clean sheets, while having saved six penalties, and conceded just three goals to Nwabali’s four clean sheets and four goals conceded.

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