Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is on the brink of making history as the first Nigerian goalkeeper to achieve five consecutive clean sheets in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Initially not the anticipated first-choice goalkeeper, Nwabali stepped up impressively, earning his place and showcasing remarkable performances in the 2023 AFCON.

The 27-year-old, representing South African club Chippa United, has been a standout player for the Super Eagles, securing four clean sheets in five AFCON matches, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament. The last Nigerian goalkeeper to achieve such a feat was Best Ogedegbe, who accomplished it 44 years ago during the 1980 AFCON, which Nigeria eventually won.

Ogedegbe’s historic run included consecutive clean sheets against Ivory Coast and Egypt in the group stage, following a 3-1 victory over Tanzania. He continued this form with clean sheets against Morocco in the semifinals and Algeria in the final.

Nwabali has now matched this record in the 2023 AFCON, contributing to a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea, a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast, a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau, a 2-0 win over Cameroon, and a 1-0 win over Angola on February 2. If Nwabali maintains his stellar form in the upcoming semi-finals against either South Africa or Cape Verde on February 7, he will secure a place in history as the first Nigerian goalkeeper with five consecutive clean sheets in AFCON.

It’s worth noting that during Ogedegbe’s era, there was no quarter-final round, limiting him to achieving a maximum of four consecutive clean sheets after the opening game.