Greg Etafia, the former goalkeeper of the Sydney 2000 Olympics team, has expressed his joy at the decision by the national team handlers to extend an invitation to Stanley Nwabali for the upcoming AFCON.
While admitting that he was not familiar with the goalkeeper before his move to the South African league, Etafia has been impressed by Nwabali’s performances within a short period and calls on Nigerians to throw their support behind the emerging talent.
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“I don’t know him except when I saw him here. Because I left Nigeria a very long time ago, I only met him here. I only saw him here when he’s playing, you know, and it’s just the games, some of the games I’ve watched, because most of the time when they’re playing, my team is playing, too,” stated Etafia.
Despite the limited knowledge of Nwabali before he arrived in the South African league, Etafia commended the emerging goalkeeper’s skills.
“So, yeah, I don’t really, because he came in here not quite long. Back from home, I don’t know him. I just only met him here. But I think he’s a top goalkeeper from what I’ve seen so far. He’s a good goalkeeper,” Etafia added.
Expressing hope for Nwabali’s continued success, Greg Etafia urged the national team coaches to afford the young goalkeeper opportunities to showcase his talent.
“I just hope he can continue there in the national team and for the coaches to give him a chance. It’s opportunity and support, which is more important for any player, even the goalkeeper.”
Acknowledging the importance of support for any player, especially goalkeepers, Etafia emphasized that both opportunity and backing from fans are crucial for a player’s growth.
As Nwabali earns recognition on the national stage, Etafia’s endorsement serves as an encouraging note for the young talent, while also rallying Nigerians to throw their support behind the promising goalkeeper in his national team endeavours.
