AFCON 2023: Chippa United congratulates Stanley Nwabali on eliminating South Africa

Despite facing backlash from South Africans following their public support towards their club player, Chippa United have congratulated goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for his “extraordinary achievement” in helping Nigeria reach the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final at the expense of South Africa.

Prior to the encounter, the club chairman in a lengthy statement posted on the club’s official account on X proclaimed that he and Chippa United stand behind Nwabali, who is the club’s first-choice goalkeeper

The Chippa United goalkeeper has kept all of Nigeria’s AFCON matches so far, with four clean sheets, and two goals conceded in six matches en route to the final.

The Super Eagles safe hands continued his brilliant form in Cote d’Ivoire, as he denied the Bafana Bafana of South Africa a final berth after saving two penalties in the shootout and was awarded Man of the Match.

Following his heroic display, the 27-year-old received a congratulatory message from his South African club via their official X page.

“The club wishes to extend its congratulations to Stanley Nwabali for his extraordinary achievement in reaching the AFCON 2023 finals and for also earning the Man of the Match award,” United’s statement read in parts on X.

“Our support for you remains steadfast. You have represented the Chippa United brand admirably, and we are immensely proud of you. We will be rooting for you in the Finals this Sunday against the host country, Côte d’Ivoire.”