The goalkeeper of the senior national team of Nigeria Stanley Nwabali was the hero for the senior national team of Nigeria in their penalty shoot out win over South Africa in the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nwabali stopped two penalties during the shoot out to power the Super Eagles to a 4-3 penalty shoot out win after both teams stayed tied at 1-1after 30 minutes of extra time.
One scene that escaped the sight of many was the handing of a face towel to the 27 year old by the goalkeeper trainer of the team shortly before the start of the shoot out.
We can exclusively reveal that the towel was used to wrap a water bottle which has information on where players of South Africa are expected to place their kicks from 12 yards out. Nwabali takes time to spy on the information on the bottle before facing any spot kick.
No doubt, the information helped his case of ensuring that the Super Eagles book a spot in the final, where they will take on the host country on Sunday.
Ade Emmanuel