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Super Eagles' shot-stopper, Stanley Nwabali, recently opened up about the negative impact of cyberbullying on athletes, specifically referring to the harsh online treatment his teammate Alex Iwobi endured during and after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking to Arise TV, the Chippa United goalkeeper delivered a heartfelt condemnation of the toxic behaviour exhibited by some football fans.
His words not only shed light on the darker side of sports fandom but also highlighted the resilience required by players to withstand such unwarranted scrutiny.
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18:49 - 12.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Stanley Nwabali reacts to losing Best Goalkeeper Award to South Africa’s Williams
Super Eagles shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali Bobo has reacted to losing out on the Golden Glove Award to South Africa's Ronwen Williams.
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18:44 - 12.02.2024
AFCON 2023: ‘Ronwen Williams deserves the best goalkeeper award’ - Stanley Nwabali
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has openly supported the decision to award the title of the tournament's best goalkeeper to Ronwen Williams of the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Nwabali Stands Up for Iwobi
"It is not really nice to be honest, I know the country we find ourselves in, everyone is desperate to win, everyone needs this cup, even when we are playing against the biggest team in the world, we want to win.
"When you talk about Alex, to be honest, sometimes, I feel emotional during the time of Maduka, Francis Uzoho, I look at Francis and tell him, bro; you’re a man, it’s not easy, a lot of players always break down, to be really honest, if it happens to me, I am going to break down," Nwabali expressed, touching on the emotional toll such cyber attacks can have on players.
His empathy towards his teammates and his candid admission reveal the human aspect often overlooked in professional sports.
A Call for Positive Support
In his plea for a change in fan behaviour, Nwabali didn't mince words: “Before the AFCON, in the interview I granted, I told them: a lot of people are waiting for me to make a mistake, then they show themselves on the internet.
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"It’s not nice, we really need to wish everyone well.” This statement underscores the need for a shift in how fans engage with players, emphasizing encouragement over criticism. His message is clear: athletes need support, not scrutiny, to thrive and perform at their best.
Despite the Super Eagles' commendable second-place finish at the 2023 AFCON, losing to hosts Cote D’Ivoire in a closely contested 2-1 match, the spotlight fell on the darker aspects of sports fandom.
Nevertheless, Nwabali's standout performance throughout the tournament won him accolades and admiration, marking him as a player of exceptional calibre and character.
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