Lawal was reacting to the backlash and criticism that greeted Nwabali’s decision to return to the South African Premiership outfit.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Mohammed Lawal, agent to Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, has opened up on why the Nigeria international returned to his former club, Chippa United.
The shot-stopper terminated his contract with the South African Premiership outfit in February this year. However, he made a surprising U-turn five months later and rejoined the club, thereby ending speculation over his future.
Announcing the former Enyimba goaltender’s return on Sunday on X (formerly Twitter), the Eastern Cape outfit wrote:
”Chippa United Football Club is delighted to welcome Stanley Nwabali back to the Chilli Boys. After taking time away, Stanley Nwabali returns to the Eastern Cape, and we are pleased to welcome him back to the club.”
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Prior to making the decision to part ways with the club, Nwabali lost his grandmother and both parents within a span of 18 months.
Justifying his initial exit and subsequent return, Lawal, speaking to ESPN, noted that the goalkeeper had only stepped away from football temporarily to deal with grief and his mental health.
He explained: “After losing his parents, he became responsible for everything. There was a lot he needed to take care of.
”As a professional, he knew he had to keep playing, but it was affecting him. If he had continued, he was going to destroy himself because when you’re not in the right mental state, it shows.
”You could see it during some of his games for the national team. People probably thought he was fighting with his teammates.”
