A statement by a club playing in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) has sparked jitters after rallying behind the Nigeria national football team.
Chippa United, a South African club, has left many fans from the country questioning the club’s patriotism as it expressed support for the West African nation.
This comes hours before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 semi-final showdown between Bafana Bafana and the Super eagles.
In a statement dated February 6, the South African club’s chairman expressed his support for Nigeria as he rallied behind one of the club’s players who represents Nigeria.
“I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow against South Africa Bafana Bafana.
We wish the Super Eagles all the best,” read part of the statement by Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi, the chairman.
Chippa further praised their goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saying that he has been a revelation, earning him and the club international acclaim.
Following the statement by the club, there were mixed reactions from both Nigerians and South Africans online.
Reactions
A user named Suleimani Dowu reacted noting that at first, he thought that the statement was fake as he could not believe a club could support a rival nation.
Also Read: Govt Warns Nigerians in South Africa Ahead of AFCON Clash
“I don’t think this will put your club in a good light within your country. Thanks for the support still,” he said.
Another Nigerian user thanked the club for showing support to their Nigerian goalkeeper.
“Chippa United, on behalf of all Nigerians, thank you for your support to Nwabali and the super Eagles. You are really the best club in South Africa!” said Kriz.
However, other native users called out the South African club highlighting that it was not a good act of patriotism.
“What am I seeing? A South African club rooting for Nigeria because they have a Nigerian player in their team? Madness!” lamented Joseph Bertrand.
Another user named Fezile Maqaqa echoed the sentiments, expressing his frustration as he called out Chippa United’s sponsors.
“The Municipalities that pump money into Chippa United must show Chippa Mpengesi that he is answerable to sponsors of his club. This was foolishly unpatriotic of him,” he lamented.
Sir Jarus reacted, “How can a club set themselves up like this. They could wish their player all the best without expressly saying they are supporting his team against their national team.”
Also Read: South Africa Hits Back at Nigeria Over AFCON Advisory
The club however extended its gratitude to the South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL).
South Africa dominates
PSL made an impressive record as it showcased the highest number of domestic players at the 2023 AFCON tournament.
“Close to 30 players from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, and even the host country, Ivory Coast who play in the PSL league were part of the tournament,” said Chippa.
Chippa further acknowledged head coach Hugo Broos for boldly trusting South Africa’s domestic players to represent Bafana Bafana at the tournament.
He also commended rival club Mamelodi Sundowns for their remarkable achievement of having 8 players highlighted included in the country’s starting lineup.
The dmust-win clash between the two countries is set to take place at the Stade de la Pix de Bouake in Cote d’Ivoire on February 7, 2024.
The Super Eagles have not lost any game in the tournament, boasting a solid backline which have seen them concede only one goal since the tournament kicked off.
On the other hand, Bafana Bafana who will be making their first ever AFCON semi-final appearance since the year 2000, have lost only one match.
They lost their first group opener to Mali, in which they also conceded the only two goals they have conceded in total.
