The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have revealed the final three-man shortlist for the 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year award, excluding Super Eagles star Stanley Nwabali.
The announcement was made via a social media post on Thursday night, naming Andre Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United), Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns), and Yahia Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire/Angers SCO) as the nominees for the top prize.
The winner will be unveiled during the CAF Awards gala on Monday, December 16.
While the nominees boast impressive profiles, the exclusion of Nwabali has sparked widespread debate, with fans and analysts questioning whether the Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana deserved his place ahead of Nwabali.
The Lagos-born goalkeeper also took to Twitter to express his surprise at being excluded from the 2024 CAF Goalkeeper of the Year shortlist, throwing what many interpreted as a subtle jibe at the decision.
Setting emotions aside, a deeper look into the statistics can help determine whether Onana’s inclusion over Nwabali was justified or if this was an oversight by CAF. Let’s examine their performances closely.
Andre Onana’s inconsistent season
Andre Onana’s inclusion on the shortlist has been one of the most contentious aspects of this year’s awards.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper endured a challenging season at Manchester United.
Across 51 appearances in all competitions, he conceded 83 goals, averaging over 1.6 goals per game.
Despite keeping 13 clean sheets, Onana faced significant criticism for his high-profile errors, which often led to goals. His performances were a polarizing subject among fans and pundits, as he struggled to adapt to the pressures of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
On the international scene, Onana’s form did little to boost his case for the award. He featured in three World Cup qualifying games, keeping just one clean sheet.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Onana’s involvement was limited to a single group-stage match, a 3-1 defeat to Senegal. His overall contribution to Cameroon’s campaign was minimal, as they exited the tournament in the Round of 16 after the loss to Nigeria.
Stanley Nwabali’s stellar year
In stark contrast, Stanley Nwabali had a remarkable season, standing out both domestically and internationally.
The Nigeria goalkeeper played 29 games for Chippa United in South Africa’s DSTV Premiership, where he conceded 27 goals and kept an impressive 12 clean sheets. His consistent performances were crucial in helping Chippa United finish 12th in the 16-team league, often single-handedly keeping his team competitive in challenging fixtures.
Nwabali’s contributions extended beyond the league. In the Nedbank Cup, South Africa’s premier knockout competition, he played three matches and managed one clean sheet.
On the international stage, Nwabali’s performances for Nigeria were even more compelling. The 28-year-old was instrumental in the Super Eagles’ run to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Starting all seven of Nigeria’s matches, Nwabali conceded just three goals from open play.
He also kept four clean sheets, underscoring his ability to organize the defense and execute crucial saves.
One of Nwabali’s standout moments came in the semi-final against South Africa, where he saved two penalties in a dramatic shootout that secured Nigeria’s place in the final.
Despite the team falling short against Côte d’Ivoire in the final, Nwabali’s performances throughout the tournament cemented his status as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.
The debate surrounding the shortlist highlights the subjective nature of individual awards. While Onana’s reputation and status as a Manchester United player may have influenced the decision, Nwabali’s performances on the pitch speak volumes about his quality.
