Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, was a glaring name missing when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the final three in the shortlist for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year at this year’s awards.
The final shortlist released by CAF comprises Ronwen Williams of South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns, Yahya Fofana of Ivory Coast and Angers in France, as well as Andre Onana of Cameroon and Manchester United.
Many would have expected to see Nwabali’s name in the final shortlist, more so after being one of Nigeria’s Super Eagles top performers at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in 2024 alongside Ademola Lookman – nominated in the Men’s Player of the Year category.
The Chippa United shot-stopper featured in all seven matches for Nigeria at AFCON 2023 in the Ivory Coast, keeping four clean sheets along the way, and saving two penalties in the semi-final shoot-out against Williams’ South Africa.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper also enjoyed a relatively good season in South Africa’s Premiership, conceding only 27 goals in 29 appearances, keeping 12 clean sheets during the season – Williams kept 15 clean sheets for a much better side in Mamelodi Sundowns.
Andre Onana on his part was left out of Cameroon’s starting XI in their opening group match at AFCON 2023, then conceded three goals in a 3-1 loss to Senegal, before returning to the bench for the rest of the tournament as Cameroon made an early exit at the Round of 16… to Nigeria.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper also endured a difficult season at Manchester United, finishing 8th in the Premier League and bottom of their Champions League group – crashing out of Europe altogether after finishing behind FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
Onana conceded 58 goals in 38 Premier League matches, keeping only nine clean sheets. He was part of the Manchester United team that beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup last season, but based on overall individual performances, it is arguable to have Onana above Nwabali.
When the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award is given at the CAF Awards ceremony on Monday, December 16, there will be a huge shadow over it.