The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has warned South African businesses operating in Nigeria following threats made against Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali by some South African fans.
Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in the South African Premier Soccer League, was instrumental in helping Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024, where they will face Egypt on Sunday. He made several crucial saves in the semi-final against South Africa, which Nigeria won 2-1.
However, his heroics did not go well with some South African supporters, who reportedly threatened to harm or prevent him from returning to his club after the tournament. Former Nigerian international Idah Peterside revealed the threats on Channels Television on Thursday, saying that Nwabali was scared for his safety.
NANS, the umbrella body of students in Nigeria, condemned the threats and appealed to South Africans to respect Nwabali and his career. In a statement signed by its Senate President, Ekundina Elvis, on Friday, NANS said that any attack on Nwabali would trigger a backlash against South African businesses and interests in Nigeria.
“We have played in different tournaments where the Super Eagles have lost. We never channelled or blamed our performance on any country or persons outside our country. We have always been a chief promoter of the spirit of sportsmanship, as this remains a solid avenue to spread love across the world’s countries. But we will never fold our arms and watch bad losers pounce on our brother for petty reasons like this,” the statement read.
NANS also urged the Nigerian government and the football federation to ensure the safety and security of Nwabali and other South African players and take diplomatic actions if necessary.
“We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Football Federation to take all necessary steps to protect the life and career of our goalkeeper and other players who ply their trade in South Africa. We also demand that the South African government and football authorities publicly denounce the threats and assure Nwabali of his safety,” the statement added.
Nwabali is not the first Nigerian player to face hostility in South Africa. In 2019, former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa was booed by some fans during a friendly match between Nigeria and South Africa in Johannesburg following the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
