There is no point leaving — Super Eagles Nwabali explains difference between NPFL and South African league

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has drawn comparisons between West African football leagues like the NPFL and the South African league where he plies his trade, as he highlights why players like himself would rather travel to Europe or other African leagues than play at home. 

The 27-year-old shot-stopper currently plays for South African outfit Chippa United; however, he is well versed in the realities of the NPFL, as he played for four different clubs in the division: Wikki Tourist, Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Katsina United. 

Nwabali believes the football leagues in West Africa are not good enough suggesting that talents in the region will feel more fulfilled playing in this part of the continent if the leagues were better organised. 

“In West Africa, our leagues are not as good. We want to go to Europe, we want to come to South Africa, we want to go to Morocco, all those kinds of leagues,” Nwabali told Far Post.

“If your league is nice, there’s no point of you leaving. If your league is nice, you’re getting paid, you’re getting sponsors, what are you leaving for? If you want to challenge yourself, you can still leave. It depends on you if you can cope there, if you can’t cope there, it’s fine to just come back and play your football.”

Nwabali emphasised the point by citing Ronwen Williams, the AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Nwabali explained that despite Williams's quality, he is comfortable playing in his home country because the pay grade and benefits are of an adequate level.

“Ronwen Williams is at Sundowns, he gets everything he wants, he’s got the name, the sponsor, his family is here, everyone is supporting him, he’s the captain of Bafana Bafana, and the league is okay. The league, the pay is a little bit nicer depending on the level of your team.