South Africa’s Premier Soccer League club (PSL) Chippa United have backed Nigeria’s Super Eagles over their country’s national team Bafana Bafana ahead of Wednesday’s AFCON 2023 semi-finals.
Chippa United is the club of Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.
In a shock statement released and signed by the club chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi, it explained that Nwabali’s exploit has brought international attention to the club.
Nwabali was given the nod to start in goal for the Eagles ahead of Francis Uzoho at the AFCON following criticism over the latter’s poor displays prior to the start of the competition.
He has gone on to keep four consecutive clean sheets in five games played.
“With Stanley’s rising profile and international attention it brings to Chippa United FC, the benefits have been nothing but positive,” the chairman said.
“Therefore, I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow [Wednesday] against South Africa Bafana Bafana. We wish the Super Eagles all the best.”
Meanwhile, Chippa United’s move to support Nigeria in Wednesday’s semis has not gone down well with many South Africans.
Moments after the release of the statement, South Africans took to their X handles to slam the club.
“What am I seeing? A South African club rooting for Nigeria because they have a Nigerian player in their team? Madness!” one X user Joseph Bertrand wrote.
Nathan Dee questioned Chippa United’s decision to only comment on the performance of Nwabali and not a mention of Bafana Bafana.
“Over the weekend I questioned their recognition and following of their player in the afcon but nowhere they ever updated anything about Bafana Bafana..never seen that anywhere in the world. We battling a lot of demons in this country.“
A certain Boka2 said:“When fools lead or should say with money comes arrogant.“
According to one Popo.Gee_rsa:”This team (Chippa United) must suffer, whether bafana win or lose.”
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