Chippa United Coach Downplays Tension With Stanley Nwabali After Super Eagles Goalkeeper Was Dropped
- Chippa United coach Luc Eymael has explained his decision to leave Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali on the bench
- Nwabali featured for Nigeria in their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa
- The 28-year-old was expected to leave at the end of the 2024/25 season following offers from top clubs in South Africa and Saudi Arabia
Chippa United manager Luc Eymael failed to field Super Eagles goalkeeper during their 1-2 defeat at the hands of Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Sunday, September 21.
Chippa United took the lead in the 5th minute through Ayabulela Magqwaka but failed to hold on to the lead as Lebohang Nkaki equalised in the 45th minute through a penalty before Thabang Matuludi sealed the victory in the 94th minute.
Source: Getty Images
Following the defeat, Eymael explained that it was a result of an important player missing from his squad, per Punch.
The Belgian manager said a strategic meeting would be held with Chippa's United chairman on how to resolve the conflict. He said:
“One important player was not there today. So it’s a problem that we have to solve.
"I must speak very frankly with my chairman. We are together to try to take Chippa out of the hole."
Nwabali produces magnificent save after coach comment
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali ensured Chippa United secured a point at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday evening, September 24.
Nwabli made an incredible spot-kick save in the 92nd minute against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.
An elated coach Luc Eymael claimed that there are no issues between the goalkeeper and the club.
According to Farpost, the 66-year-old explained that there was a miscommunication from the medical staff as the Nigerian number 1 goalkeeper got rested following his engagement during the World Cup qualifiers. He said:
“In fact, it’s a question of misunderstanding. It was a question of injury, and I did not understand what happened very well.
"Stanley and the medical staff had some kind of miscommunication before our match on Sunday. He also made an effort to play because he is not 100 per cent, but you saw his importance [in the Sekhukhune game].
"He is very secure, calm for the defence, and all these things. But there has been a miscommunication.”
Source: Getty Images
Nwabali needs rest - Ajewole
Kwara State football coach Ezekiel Ajewole says Stanley Nwabali needs adequate rest after a demanding qualifying campaign.
Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Ajewole said the coach must have banked on Nwabali to execute the match they lost. He said:
"I am happy the coach has clarified his statement concerning Stanley Nwabali and proved to the world that he is a dependable goalkeeper any day.
"Nwabali needed rest, and not playing against Polokwane City is a move to recover. If he sustains a life-threatening injury today, they will replace him immediately.
Stanley Nwabali has been the subject of strong transfer interest since his standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nwabali gets injured days before WCQ
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was forced off injured during Chippa United’s Premier Soccer League match against Richards Bay FC.
The goalkeeper was stretchered off in the 35th minute of the match and is now a doubt to feature for Nigeria in the two matches next month.
Source: Legit.ng
