The press conference ahead of the Semi Final match at Stade de la Paix on February 06, 2024 in Bouake, Ivory Coast featured Ronwen Hayden Williams of South Africa discussing his opponent Stanley Nwabili of Nigeria, who has been inspired by the progress of Williams’ career. Williams mentioned that they had played against each other in Port Elizabeth and he had a chat with Nwabili, during which Nwabili told him that he inspires him. Williams also joked that he hopes Nwabili will concede in the upcoming match. Both Williams and Nwabili, who play for Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United respectively, have the most clean sheets at Afcon to date.
Williams expressed his happiness at inspiring a fellow professional and mentioned the possibility of sharing the stage. He further commented on enjoying their new online stadium and wished for Nwabili to concede against them so that South Africa could advance to the final. The 32-year-old Williams impressed viewers by stopping four penalties in the shootout against Cape Verde in the quarter-finals of Afcon. The upcoming match against Nigeria will require Williams to be in top form once again, as Nigeria is a powerful opponent.