News
REVEALED! Emotional Reasons Why Nwabali Returned To Chippa United After Five-Month Break
Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has finally opened up on his return to Chippa United, five months after walking away from the South African club, while his agent has revealed the deeply personal reasons behind the surprising decision.
The Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper rejoined the Chilli Boys after mutually terminating his contract in February, bringing an end to months of speculation over why he stepped away despite recently signing a long-term extension.
Speaking after his return, Nwabali admitted leaving Chippa United was one of the toughest decisions of his career but insisted it was necessary for his personal well-being.
“It was a difficult decision, but football is about happiness. Your happiness comes first. The club understood my situation, and we both agreed it was the best step for me,” the 29-year-old said in an earlier interview.
While the goalkeeper chose not to disclose the real reason behind his departure at the time, his representative, Mohammed Lawal, has now revealed that Nwabali was battling immense emotional trauma following the loss of three close family members within a short period.
According to Lawal, the deaths of Nwabali’s grandmother, father and mother left the goalkeeper mentally exhausted and forced him to take a break from football before the situation affected both his career and personal life.
“We told him to step away before making a permanent decision that could damage his career. He wasn’t in the right frame of mind and needed time to grieve,” Lawal told ESPN.
The agent stressed that Nwabali’s exit had nothing to do with disagreements at Chippa United or interest from other clubs.
“There were offers from Saudi Arabia, England and elsewhere in Africa, but Stanley simply wasn’t ready to return to football. He needed time to heal emotionally,” he explained.
Lawal added that the goalkeeper deliberately kept his struggles private, insisting that he was under no obligation to publicly discuss his mental health while dealing with personal tragedy.
He also disclosed that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle maintained regular contact with Nwabali throughout his break, while the goalkeeper sought professional support before deciding he was ready to resume his career.
The strong relationship between Nwabali and Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa”
Mpengesi ultimately paved the way for his return.
“Chippa United understood everything he was going through.
They know him not only as a goalkeeper but as a person. That’s why returning there was the best environment for him to rebuild his career,” Lawal said.
Nwabali shot to global prominence after helping Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and will now be aiming to rediscover his best form as he begins a fresh chapter with Chippa United ahead of the new season.
News
Benin Club’s Ladies Golf Captain Joy Omorogiuwa Reveals Factors Behind Glamour Of 31st BCGS Championship
The ladies golf captain of Benin Club in Edo State, Mrs Joy Omorogiuwa has revealed several factors that made their 31st BCGS championship a successful event filled with glamour, Sports247 reports.
Speaking during the well-attended competition’s final on Saturday, Omorogiuwa disclosed that it was made possible through sleepless hours of planning and combined efforts from all the members.
She thanked everyone who joined hands in organsing a highly successful 31st BCGS Ladies Open, which was eventually won by Ehis Igbinadolor, as she retained her Queen of the Greens trophy by carding 234 gross over 54 holes.
En route to clinching the prestigious title for the second year running, Igbinadolor beat a strong field of top female golfers, as she carded 80 gross on day one, played 78 and 76 gross on days two and three to top the leaderboard ahead of Diana Osmond.
However, Igbinadolor’s victory did not come easy, as Osmond kept swinging hard until the last put, but her 237 gross was only good enough for runner-up spot, three shots adrift, while Grace Ogeili had a late push with 245 gross to place third and Destiny Okoh hit 248 to take fourth spot.
Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) immediate past president, Evelyn Oyome carded 255 gross to finish fifth, Juliet Ogunwa placed sixth with 264 gross, as Love Okoho got 267 gross to complete the top seven, while Deborah Emifoniye won the hcp 19-28 category with a total gross score of 282 over three days.
Emigoniye warded off pressure from Angela Uwabor with 282 gross and Peace Irabor was third with 297, while BCGS captain, Stephen Ebaretonbofa got 86 gross to win the special guests and sponsors’ category, with the vice-captain, Victor Oriasotie second on 92 gross and Matthew Chadzimura third.
At the end of it all, Omorogiuwa thanked everyone for turning up and gave gratitude to God for the day’s huge success as well as for giving the organisers favourable weather throughout the long line of activities that began on Wednesday.
“The glamour and celebration is undoubtedly a reflection of hours of planning, coordination, sleepless night and self denial of comfort by the various committees. I am eternally grateful,” an elated Omorogiuwa stated.
Sports247 gathered further that this year’s BCGS Ladies Open had over 100 female golfers in attendance from all across the country, while also maintaining its status as one of Nigeria’s longest-running women’s golf competitions.
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