Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Dennis Erezi
Published on 2024-02-08 13:17:12
South African club, Chippa United, is proudly supporting their goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, and his home country, Nigeria, as they prepare to face Côte d’Ivoire in the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abidjan on Sunday.
Despite Nwabali’s affiliation with Chippa United in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), the club surprisingly showed their support for him and the Nigerian team when they went up against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the semi-finals. Nwabili’s exceptional performance during the game, making three crucial saves during regulation time, led to a 1-1 score. After thirty minutes of extra time, the match went into a penalty shootout. South Africa’s failure to convert two of their opening three spot-kicks, with Nwabali saving from Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa, further showcased his talent.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s Ola Aina missed his penalty, but Kelechi Iheanacho scored the deciding kick, leading the Super Eagles to a 4-2 victory and securing their spot in the final of AFCON 2023.
Following Nwabali’s extraordinary achievement and his Man of the Match award, Chippa United released a statement on Thursday, signed by chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi, extending their congratulations and unwavering support to Nwabali. The chairman commented, “Our support for you remains steadfast. You have represented the Chippa United brand admirably, and we are immensely proud of you.”
The statement also expressed Chippa United’s commitment to rooting for Nwabali in the Finals this Sunday against the host country, Côte d’Ivoire, wishing him all the best in the upcoming match.
Throughout the tournament, Nwabali has maintained an impressive record, keeping four consecutive clean sheets in the six games Nigeria has played. He has only conceded two goals, with one of them occurring during the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their group A opener on January 14, and the other against South Africa on Wednesday.
Chippa United’s vocal support of Nwabali and the Nigerian team serves as a testament to the impact of sports in fostering camaraderie and unity, transcending borders and nationalities. Nwabali’s success at the AFCON 2023 has not only brought glory to Nigeria but has also garnered widespread recognition and pride from his club, Chippa United, further solidifying the power of sports in uniting individuals and communities.
