Chippa United's Stanley Nwabali who is now also an Africa Cup of Nations finalist has sent a message to those in South Africa.
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali played an instrumental role in helping Nigeria reach the final of AFCON 2023 as his side beat Bafana Bafana 4-2 on penalties to book their spot.
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The 27-year-old make crucial saves during regulation time as well as during the penalty shootout, earning himself a spot in the heart of each Nigerian fan as well as the respect of South Africans who witnessed his valiant display.
Taking to social, Nwabali admitted that while he has immense love for his home country, he still has considerable love for the country in which he plies his trade.
"This is a game I'm born to play. A night to remember! I felt every bit of it! Brick by brick and dreams are coming true. No love lost at all. I still love South Africa as much as their fans loves me. My name is Nwabali Stanley Bobo and I love this team [Nigeria] with all my heart," the keeper wrote on Instagram.
Many of his home country's biggest celebrities including singer and songwriter Teni, actress and model Destiny Etiko, social media personality Angel JB Smith and many others flocked to the comments section to express their appreciation for the keeper whose performance fueled the dream of a nation.
Prior to the highly anticipated semi-final clash, Nwabali also received unwavering support from Chippa United Chairman Siviwe Mpengesi
"With Stanley's rising profile and the international attention it brings to Chippa United FC, the benefits have been nothing but positive. Therefore, I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow against South Africa," Mpengesi said.
His comments, however, received intense backlash from South Africans who were dissatisfied with the national side he chose to support, labelling his statement as unpatriotic, embarrassing, and disrespectful.
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