Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali responds to reported South Africa threats after Afcon 2023 heroics – ‘I must go back to Chippa United because they own me’
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has broken his silence following remarks made by a top Nigerian football official that his life is not safe.
The 27-year-old’s life was said to be in danger after he was instrumental in knocking Bafana Bafana out of the just-ended 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Former Caf Appeal Committee vice president Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam warned the goalkeeper against returning to Chippa United.
But Nwabali, who helped Nigeria reach the Afcon final, has responded to the remarks, saying he will be back at the Chilli Boys.
“I must go back to my club, but talking about the threats, this is football,” Nwabali said according to BluePrint as reported by KickOff.
“You can’t threaten someone because they also won some other teams too.
“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.”
As Nwabali returns to Chippa United, there is also an issue about his possible transfer from the Chilli Boys.
His star rose at the Afcon tournament where he conceded four goals in seven games while also keeping four clean sheets.
He was initially strongly linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs but that no longer appears possible.
European clubs are reportedly interested in his signature and Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise’s name has been mentioned.
His agent Mohammed Lawal says there is interest in the player from France and Saudi Arabia.
It is not yet clear if Chippa United will grant Nwabali a few days to rest after a hectic schedule with Nigeria who reached the Afcon final.
The Chilli Boys host Cape Town City on Saturday as they resume their Premier Soccer League campaign.