Chippa United play in the South African top-flight, but they have pushed patriotism aside and pitched their tent with Nigeria's Super Eagles
Stanley Nwabali's South African Premier League club Chippa United have snubbed their country and pitched their tent with Nigeria ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash between both countries, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria trade tackles with the Bafana Bafana at the Stade de la Paix on Wednesday for a ticket to the final of the AFCON. Unlike the Nigeria Professional Football League, the South African PSL have 30 players representing their countries in Ivory Coast.
One of the PSL players left in the AFCON is Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Nwabali, who has been impressive so far.
Ahead of the encounter, the Chairman of Nwabali's club, Chippa United, released a statement. Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi praised the PSL board for their hardwork, which has attracted many quality players to their league. He also acknowledged coach Hugo Broos for inviting players from the league to the national team.
However, in a shocking twist, instead of drumming support for South Africa, Mpengesi stated that he and the club are pitching their tent with Nigeria.
“I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigeria Super Eagles against South Africa Bafana Bafana. We wish the Super Eagles all the best,” Mpengesi said via the club's social media account.
Chippa United have a good history with Nigeria's goalkeeper. Daniel Akpeyi, who helped Nigeria win bronze in the 2019 AFCON manned the sticks for the club for four years.
