Sports
ONELGA Rolls Out Red Carpet For S’Eagles Keeper
Sunday, February 18, 2024 is a day that will remain indelible in the hearts of many sons and daughters of the Egbema Kingdom in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State as the locals trooped out in their thousands to welcome their national hero, the nascent Nigeria’s first choice goalkeeper, Stanley Bobo Nwabali to his hometown where his journey began.
Just one week earlier, Nwabali successfully cemented his place in the annals of Nigerian football history as his invaluable contributions helped the senior national team to a previously unimagined second place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire.
A number of Nwabali’s Super Eagles teammates were celebrated by their “own people” too in the wake of the AFCON final but none can stand nor trump the elaborate reception held for this former Go Round FC of Omoku goalkeeper and rightly so. The 27-year old put Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and the Egbema name on the global map through his heroic displays at the tournament during which he became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to win a Man of the Match award at the AFCON in 18 years.
The day’s activities began in the early afternoon with Nwabali’s arrival at the palatial mansion of the Leader of ONELGA, the Mbanabaragu 1 of Orashi Kingdom, Bro Felix Obuah who would later lead him to the ONELGA Council Headquarters where a few hundreds were also waiting to receive the man that has made them proud.
At the Council, Nwabali was received by the Chairman of ONELGA Sir Vincent Job, DSSRS, his deputy Hon. Dr Stella Agada and other members of Council in a short plenary session with Nwabali and his wife. There, he was awarded a sum of N5m as declared by Job who also stated that a street will be named after him in the Local Government.
The reception train then proceeded from the ONELGA Council to the Nzeobi’s Palace in Aggah-Egbema where His Royal Majesty Eze Everestus Amuda conferred the chieftaincy title ‘Ugo Egbema 1 of Egbema Land’ which means the Pride of Egbema on the Chippa United goalkeeper.
Eze Amuda eulogised Nwabali for his performance especially his penalty saving heroics which he noted engraved him in the hearts of many Nigerians both home and abroad thereby making him a Pride for his people back home.
A grand reception was thereafter held in Nwabali’s honour at the Community Primary School, Okwuzi in which thousands of people were in attendance. The ceremony which lasted for about an hour had in attendance, top dignitaries especially those indigenous to ONELGA including Members of Rivers State House of Assembly and Members of the ONELGA Council and other traditional rulers.
There were speeches by the ONELGA Chairman Job, Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly and Member Representing ONELGA Constituency I, Hon Franklin Nwabochi as well as Member representing ONELGA Constituency II, Hon Dcns Nkemjika Ezekwe while it was rounded off by Bro Obuah.
There was plenty to eat and drink for guests and locals at the reception while there were heartfelt prayers said for the career and continued progress of Stanley Bobo Nwabali, the Pride of Egbema Land who had earlier in the week been honoured by Rivers State Governor Sir Sim Fubara who conferred on him the state’s highest honour DSSRS.
An emotional Nwabali spoke to newsmen after the reception:
“To be honest, I really don’t know how to appreciate these people,” began an emotional Nwabali who actually started his football career as a centre forward.
“The love they showed me today is unbelievable. I thought I’d seen it all at the AFCON but I saw a lot today. I was emotional seeing this kind of crowd coming out to give their support and respect to me. I appreciate everyone in ONELGA and those coming from different states to appreciate me,” he added.
In his own remark at the end of the epoch making event, Proprietor of Nwabali’s first club in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Go Round FC, Bro Felix Obuah says it is a dream come true for him as a Father.
“This is the dream of every father, that his son or daughter makes it to the top. When we started, I had the dream that one day if they put in their best, they will reach the zenith of their careers.
“Today, I am happy that one among lots that I invested on has been able to make it up to the Number 1 goalkeeper of the Super Eagles. I am very proud of him and I am happy that a part and parcel of us has made Nigeria proud,” added Obuah.
Nwabali who has now been linked to several top clubs in Europe and South Africa is scheduled to resume at his club Chippa United this week.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
-
Sports3 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports3 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports3 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports3 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports3 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports3 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Niger Delta3 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form