Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Peterside Idah has raised alarm on the safety of Stanley Nwabali following threats that has been sent his way since his heroics lifted Nigeria past South Africa in t the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nwabali stopped two penalties to help Super Eagles to a 4-3 win over South Africa with both teams locked at 1-1 after extra time. His performance hasn’t gone down well with a section of people from the country where he plys his trade for Chippa United.
According to Idah, he is aware of threats that has been sent the way of the 27 year old telling him not to return to South Africa after stopping them from reaching the final of the AFCON in Ivory Coast.
“We have gotten some reports of people sending messages to the goalkeeper, threatening him. I hear some saying ‘Don’t come back to South Africa since you didn’t want us to score when your team was playing. Stay back”, Idah said on Channels TV.
“This is unacceptable. We have not heard of any violence, but just threats. They have been threatening him and others.”
He called on the authority involved to track those who sent the threats to the shot stopper and also seek for understanding from football fans in the country, where he is based not to take results of football game to a violent level as the game is about winning some and losing some.
Idah who is now a pastor in South Africa following his retirement from football has been living in the country for over twenty years.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman