Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been reportedly threatened by some disgruntled South African football fans, following his remarkable performance at the AFCON semifinals which propelled Nigeria to the finals on Wednesday, February 7.
News Central reported that Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties to proceed to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Nwabali, 27, who saved two penalties during the shootout, reportedly received messages threatening him against returning to South Africa to continue with the country’s Premier Soccer League with Chippa United after the AFCON tournament ends.
Idah Peterside, former Super Eagles international footballer, disclosed on Channels Television on Thursday, that the top goalkeeper was warned by angry Bafana Bafana fans not to return to South Africa, since he blocked the team’s chances of scoring their way to the finals.
“The biggest problem we have had is that we have gotten some messages where people have sent messages to the goalkeeper threatening him. I hear some people are telling him not to return to South Africa since you didn’t want us to score.
“This is unacceptable. We have not heard of any violence. but just threats. They have been threatening him and threatening some people,” Peterside said.
The reported threats on Nwabali, who currently plays for Chippa United in South Africa, has stirred discussions on the topic of Xenophobia in the country.
Nigerians have called for an immediate investigation into the threats being issued to the goalkeeper following his topnotch performance at tough match.
Meanwhile, some South Africans have reacted to the reports making the rounds about the goalkeeper’s safety concerns.
@abmmbyz wrote on X:
my so called Nigerians neva ceases to amaze me. Nwabali is safe and there is no threat to him. He has been in South Africa playing week in week out without a single issue. Unless this propaganda is used to take away the player from Chippa United without payment.
