In a thrilling semifinal clash at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero for Nigeria, securing their spot in the final with a dramatic shootout win against South Africa.

The intense encounter saw the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana deadlocked at 1-1 after 120 minutes of normal and added time. Nwabali, based in South Africa, showcased his goalkeeping prowess by saving two crucial penalty kicks, steering Nigeria to a 4-2 triumph in the shootout.

Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho sealed the victory with a winning penalty, ensuring Nigeria’s first AFCON final appearance since 2013. The match had earlier seen VAR intervention, overturning a late goal by Victor Osimhen and awarding a penalty to South Africa, leading to extra time and eventually penalties.

Nigeria had initially taken the lead through skipper William Troost-Ekong’s spot-kick, but South Africa fought back, forcing extra time with a penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena. The shootout drama unfolded with misses on both sides, but Iheanacho’s decisive kick secured the Super Eagles’ triumph.

The semifinal clash was characterized by a nervy first half dominated by South Africa, but Nigeria rallied after the break, with Osimhen threatening and eventually winning a penalty that Troost-Ekong converted.

Despite VAR controversy disallowing Osimhen’s late goal, Nigeria’s resilience shone through in the penalty shootout. The match featured high stakes, VAR drama, and Nwabali’s heroics, providing fans with a memorable spectacle in the journey to AFCON glory.