Radio and television commentators may now have to address Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations goalkeeper, Stanley Bobo Nwabali as a chief each time he put up his commanding presence in Nigeria’s goalpost.
Relatively unknown before the Africa Cup of Nations, he has now shot into limelight and almost became the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Upon returning to his native state, Rivers State in the South South Nigeria, he got more than heroic welcome.
The chieftaincy title of ‘Ugo Egbema 1 of Egbema Land’ was the icing on the cake of the warm reception at his local government area in Egbema Kingdom – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).
It all began when the goalkeeper was first received by Felix Obuah, a top politician in Rivers State and the owner of Go Round FC which was the first club Nwabali played for.
The club owner then led him to the ONELGA council headquarters where the Chairman, Sir Vincent Job, among other dignitaries received him.
Sir Job announced a donation of N5m, in addition to naming a street after him in the local government area.
The reception train then proceeded to the Nzeobi’s palace in Aggah-Egbema where HRM, Eze Everestus Amuda conferred the chieftaincy title ‘Ugo Egbema 1 of Egbema Land’ which means the Pride of Egbema on the Chippa United goalkeeper.
Eze Amuda eulogised Nwabali for his performance especially his penalty saving heroics which he noted engraved him in the hearts of many Nigerians both home and abroad thereby making him a Pride for his people back home.
A grand reception was thereafter held in Nwabali’s honour at the Community Primary School, Okwuzi where encomiums led by Sir Job, Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly and Member Representing ONELGA Constituency I, Hon Franklin Nwabochi as well as Member representing ONELGA Constituency II, Hon Dcns Nkemjika Ezekwe, among others were showered on him.
An emotional Nwabali in an interview with sports journalists said: “To be honest, I really don’t know how to appreciate these people. The love they showed me today is unbelievable. I thought I’d seen it all at the AFCON but I saw a lot today. I was emotional seeing this kind of crowd coming out to give their support and respect to me.”
In his remarks, Bro Felix Obuah said: “This is the dream of every father, that his son or daughter makes it to the top. When we started, I had the dream that one day if they put in their best, they will reach the zenith of their careers.
“Today, I am happy that one among lots that I invested on has been able to make it up to the Number 1 goalkeeper of the Super Eagles. I am very proud of him and I am happy that a part and parcel of us has made Nigeria proud,” added Obuah.
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