Stanley Nwabili of Chippa United has expressed gratitude for the backing provided by Chilli Boys owner Siviwe Mpengesi during his standout performance at the AFCON with Nigeria.
He expressed a desire to reciprocate this support by committing to the team for another two years, although he admits it’s unlikely.
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Mpengesi garnered attention when he openly showed his support for Nigeria and Nwabili in the AFCON semifinals against Bafana Bafana earlier this month. Nwabili’s standout performance in the match, including saving two penalties in the shootout, earned him the man of the match award and propelled Nigeria to the final, where they were defeated 2-1 by hosts Ivory Coast.
“The chairman gave me a lot of reasons to work hard at AFCON. He was sending me a lot of messages, even wishing me well ahead of his own country… that was something I didn’t believe.
“I was like, ‘how would this man do this kind of thing’? I really appreciate him and I owe him a lot,” Nwabili said at the Nedbank Cup round of 16 draw at SuperSport Studios in Randburg on Monday.
“A lot of people say, ‘ahh Stanley, you must leave Chippa’, but I wish to work for him for two more years … but I don’t think that wish will come true [because he’s likely to receive better offers and leave]. He’s a really nice man.”
Nwabili also insisted he hadn’t yet received any offers amid his meteoric rise, motivated by a brilliant AFCON. “I only see offers online. I have never seen any offer on my table,” Nwabili disclosed.
Nwabili emphasized that despite his recent rise to fame, he remains unchanged. However, he acknowledged the responsibility of doubling his efforts as he now serves as a role model to many, especially following his remarkable performance in the AFCON.
“I am still Stanley. I want to work harder than before now. If I was putting in 100% before, now I have to double that because a lot of people are looking up to me now,” Nwabili stated.
The Super Eagles’ shot-stopper also dismissed rumours he was threatened and told to never to return to SA after Nigeria beat Bafana. “If there were threats, I wouldn’t be here. There are no threats my man. I think those rumours came from emotional people,” Nwabili said.
