PUNCH
The National Association of Nigerian Students has warned South Africans to stop threatening the Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.
Nwabali showcased his prowess during the clash against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, making crucial saves during regulation time and stopping two penalties during the shootout.
Former Super Eagles international, Idah Peterside, revealed on Channels Television on Thursday that some fans have warned Nwabali not to go back to Chippa United in South Africa after the AFCON tournament.
Peterside said, “The biggest problem we have had is that we have gotten some messages where people have sent messages to the goalkeeper, threatening him.
“I hear some people are telling him not to come back to South Africa ‘since you didn’t want us to score.” We have not heard of any violence, but just threats. They have been threatening him and threatening some people.”
Reacting in a statement on Friday, NANS Senate President, Elvis Ekundina, appealed to South Africans to steer clear of Nwabali.
The student body condemned the South Africans’ threat against the Super Eagles goalkeeper, saying “Football should rather promote friendship and no bitterness”.
According to the association, the Super Eagles have lost many matches in the past, yet nobody was attacked
NANS maintained that it would not fold its arms if South Africans made real their intentions to attack Nwabali.
“We have played in different tournaments where the Super Eagles have lost. We never channelled or blamed our performances on any country or persons outside our country.
“We have always been chief promoters of the spirit of sportsmanship…