Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has affirmed his commitment to return to Chippa United despite unsubstantiated concerns regarding potential threats to his safety in South Africa.
The 27-year-old, previously with Go Round FC and Enyimba, experienced a remarkable AFCON journey, aiding the Super Eagles in reaching the final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast. His stellar performances also solidified his position as Nigeria’s primary goalkeeper.
Also read: AFCON 2023: Troost-Ekong, Aina, Lookman make Team of the Tournament
However, before the final match, Stanley Nwabali played a pivotal role in the tense semifinal penalty shootout victory over South Africa. His heroics in saving penalties from Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa secured Nigeria’s advancement, sending Bafana Bafana packing.
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In light of recent incidents involving the mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, a prominent figure in Nigerian football and former CAF Appeal Committee vice president cautioned Nwabali against returning to his club due to potential persecution.
Despite these warnings, Stanley Nwabali remains resolute, stating there is no reason for alarm. He asserts his intention to return to South Africa, where he anticipates fair treatment regardless of the tensions stemming from the Nigeria versus South Africa encounter.
“I must go back to my club, but talking about the threats, this is football,” Nwabali told reporters per Goal after meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “You can’t threaten someone because they also won some other teams? How about if those they beat decided to keep threatening your players, would it make sense?
“It’s football, I don’t think there’s anything attached to it. Maybe it was just someone writing on social media. It’s cool to me because I spoke to my [Chippa United] chairman three days ago, but he didn’t say anything like all that stuff.
“So, he felt like, ‘No, it’s cool, you can come back’. I must go back to my club because they own me.”
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