Stanley Bobo Nwabali (born 10 June 1996) is a Nigerian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for the Nigeria national team.
Nwabali was born in Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria on 10 June 1996 into a Christian family. He considers German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as his role model. His last name Nwabali, means âÂÂChild of the Nightâ in the igbo language.
In 2018, Nwabali joined Go Round, a Nigerian club based in Omoku, before later securing a move to Enyimba in 2020, followed by joining Lobi Stars, Katsina United and Chippa United, a South African club in 2022.
Nwabali earned his first cap for the Nigerian national team in 2021, in an international friendly match against Mexico in Los Angeles, United States.
In December 2023, he was called up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. He was named Man of the Match in the semi-final encounter against South Africa, as he saved two penalties in a 4âÂÂ2 victory during the pently shootouts following a 1âÂÂ1 draw, which qualified his country for the final.
On 11 December 2025, Stanley Nwabali was included in the Nigerian team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco, earning a bronze medal
Nwabali is known for his shotâÂÂstopping ability, command of the penalty area, and composure under pressure. He combines strong physical presence (1.96 m in height) with agility and has been praised for his defensive leadership at both club and international levels.
Nigeria
National honours