AFCON 2023: Chippa United Chairman Backs Nigeria and Stanley Nwabali Over South Africa

• South Africa and Nigeria lock horns in the AFCON semi-finals tonight
• The build-up to the encounter has made this a must-watch for any fan
• Chippa United's chairman has controversially backed the Super Eagles

South Africa and Nigeria fans have gone back and forth since their semi-final clash at the 2023 AFCON was confirmed. The match will be more than a football game.

Chippa United chairman, Siviwe Chippa has released a controversial statement saying he would be supporting the Super Eagles over Bafana Bafana.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali plays for PSL side, Chippa United and has been one of the standout performers in Ivory Coast.

Hours before the eagerly anticipated showdown, the chairman released a lengthy statement explaining why he is backing Nigeria over his own country, South Africa.

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"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 against Bafana Bafana. We wish the Super Eagles all the best."

Whoever wins tonight will seal a place in the final set for Sunday, February 11, per CAF. The winner will play either the Democratic Republic of Congo or the hosts, Ivory Coast.

Fans react to Chippa United's statement

@ntjatji5:

"Why didn’t he keep to himself this guy likes attention."

@just_carol8:

"It is his choice, he can choose to support whomever he wants. I'm more curious with the benefits he mentions they got with Stanley's rising profile."

@sizwemasilela66:

"He just wants to sell the keeper to the highest bidder."

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@JoBertrand19:

"What am I seeing? A South African club rooting for Nigeria because they have a Nigerian player in their team? Madness!"

@Mphele_:

"He should have asked another person to read this statement before he released it .A second opinion is very necessary sometimes."

Nwabali's message to Williams

Sports Brief earlier reported on South Africa goalkeeper and captain, Ronwen Williams disclosing his conversation with Nigeria's Nwabali before the tournament.

"I’m happy for him, I had a chat with him when we played each other in Port Elizabeth, and it’s so weird that he told me that I inspire him."

Both goalkeepers have kept four clean sheets in the competition, more than any other goalies, with their respective countries set to battle for an AFCON final spot.