AFCON 2023: ‘Ronwen Williams deserves the best goalkeeper award’ - Stanley Nwabali

Despite a vocal faction of fans and pundits championing Nwabali for the prestigious accolade, the Nigerian guardian of the posts humbly deferred to Williams, citing South Africa's superior performance throughout the competition.

"Ronwen Williams is a very good goalkeeper, to be honest. I am competing with this kind of guy and he has the chance to win the best goalkeeper of the tournament, he deserves it," Nwabali expressed, as reported on X, acknowledging the high calibre of his competitor. 

This statement not only highlights Nwabali's grace but also his recognition of excellence in his field, setting a benchmark for sportsmanship that transcends national rivalries.

The numbers themselves paint a clear picture of the tight race for the best goalkeeper title, with Williams edging out Nwabali with 5 clean sheets to 4 in the competition. 

This statistical edge served as a key factor in the decision-making process, supporting Williams' claim to the award. Yet, Nwabali's commendation of Williams goes beyond the numbers, celebrating the spirit of competition and the mutual respect that athletes have for one another's achievements.