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The Digest:

Even in defeat, excellence can shine. Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defender Calvin Bassey have been recognized for their heroic performances, earning places in the official AFCON 2025 semi-finals Best XI, a testament to individual resilience amid national disappointment.

Key Points:
  • Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was selected as the best goalkeeper of the semi-final round.
  • He received a Sofascore rating of 9.0, the highest of any player in the selection.
  • Defender Calvin Bassey was also included, with a rating of 8.1.
  • Both players were instrumental in Nigeria’s goalless draw against Morocco before a penalty shootout loss.
  • Nwabali made several vital saves to keep Nigeria in contention.
  • Bassey’s suspension will keep him out of the third-place match against Egypt.
  • The selections highlight standout individual contributions in a team that fell short.
In a tournament where outcomes are remembered but performances are felt, their inclusion is a quiet homage to the fact that even when the team stops, the spirit of a few can still run its full course.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Sofascore