Tension Brews Between Nwabali and Chippa United – Coach Hints At Rift

Tension Brews Between Nwabali and Chippa United – Coach Hints At Rift

Sampson Adedeji

Chippa United head coach Luc Eymael has hinted that all may not be well between the club and its captain, Stanley Nwabali, following the goalkeeper’s surprise absence at the weekend, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles’ first-choice shot-stopper was missing in action as Chippa suffered a 2-1 defeat to Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in a Betway Premiership clash on Sunday.

Nwabali, 29, has been at the center of transfer speculation in recent months, with clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia reportedly monitoring him after his standout performances for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Speaking after the defeat, Eymael admitted that Nwabali’s absence was a major concern and suggested the matter would be addressed internally.

“One important player was not there today [Sunday], and it’s a problem we need to solve".

 “I must speak frankly with my chairman [Siviwe Mpengesi]. We are working together to get Chippa out of this difficult situation.”

When pressed further, the coach declined to go into details about the situation.

“I can’t talk about that. It’s something we have to resolve with the chairman. Sometimes these things happen in football. 

It gives other players a chance to step up, but of course, we must work hard and ensure everyone is committed to playing for Chippa United,” he told FARpost.

Chippa currently sit bottom of the Premiership standings, with just one win, one draw, and five defeats from their opening seven matches.