South Africans Threatening Nwabali Not to Return to His Club

Former Super Eagles player, Idah Peterside, has revealed that South Africans are threatening Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, warning him not to return to his club in the country. Peterside expressed concern over the threats during an interview on Channels TV on Thursday.

Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United as their first-choice goalkeeper in the South African Premier Soccer League, allegedly received messages suggesting he should stay back in Nigeria due to his performance during a recent match between Nigeria and South Africa.

Peterside stated, “We have received reports of people sending messages to the goalkeeper, threatening him. I hear some saying ‘Don’t come back to South Africa since you didn’t want us to score when your team was playing. Stay back.’ This is unacceptable. We have not heard of any violence, but just threats. They have been threatening him and others.”

The tension arose after Nigeria defeated South Africa in the semi-final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The match ended in a draw during regular play and extra time, with Nigeria winning in a penalty shootout. Nwabali saved two penalties and was declared the man of the match.

In anticipation of the game, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria warned Nigerians living in South Africa against provocative celebrations in public places in the event of a Super Eagles victory. The advisory highlighted inflammatory online.