Chippa United head coach Luc Eymael has dismissed suggestions of a fallout with Stanley Nwabali, after the Nigeria goalkeeper’s recent absence sparked speculation about his future.
Nwabali missed last week’s 2-1 defeat to Polokwane, with Eymael initially hinting at “issues” within the squad.
That fuelled rumours of unrest, amid reports linking the 29-year-old with clubs across Africa and Europe.
But the Super Eagles goalkeeper returned to the starting line-up against Sekhukhune, where he produced a last-minute penalty save to secure a 1-1 draw.
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Eymael later moved to clarify the situation, insisting there had been a miscommunication.
“There was some kind of misunderstanding, not only with Stanley but also with the medical staff,” the Belgian coach said.
“He is not 100 per cent fit, but he still made the effort to play. You saw his importance, calm, secure, good for the defence.”
Stanley Nwabali. Photo Credit: Chippa/X
The coach admitted his earlier words were poorly conveyed: “When I didn’t have all the information, I preferred to say it was private. That was a translation issue, nothing more.”
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Chippa will be hoping Nwabali stays fit, while Nigeria boss Eric Chelle is expected to rely on him for October’s World Cup qualifiers.
