“I don’t think I’ll lose” – Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali shades Ronwen Hayden Williams over penalty shoot-out drama
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Bobo Nwabali, has backed himself to win every penalty shoot-out against South Africa’s Ronwen Hayden Williams, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian goalkeeper was the hero of the three-time African Champions when they faced South Africa in the semi-final of the AFCON 2023 tournament.
Prior to that game, Ronwen Hayden Williams made history with Bafana Bafana, becoming the first goalkeeper to save four penalty kicks in an AFCON knockout fixture, achieving the feat in their quarter-final clash against Cape Verde.
Nigeria emerged victorious in the semi-final against Hugo Broos’ side as Nwabali denied Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa from twelve yards, and has backed himself to repeat his antics if the chance presents itself.
“So when we went to penalties walking with Ronwen Williams to the goal, I just said to myself, this is the end of the road for you guys, sorry my friend. Everyone thought Williams would save against Nigeria. Even the Nigerians were scared. You saw after a loss against Nigeria, he succeeded again against DR Congo. Ronwen Williams is good on penalties, but I’m not comparing him with myself because I know what I can do. I’m only talking about penalties when you go to penalties with me, I don’t think I’m going to lose,” the 27-year-old said in an interview with Far Post.
The Super Eagles will play against South Africa in June after the majority of the domestic European football leagues have ended their season. The FIFA World Cup qualifying tie will be played in Nigeria.
N.B: We want to know your thoughts. Do you think Stanley Nwabali is a better penalty specialist than Ronwen Williams? Let us know in the comments.
