'One day, he will come home' - Coach Nimley responds to Ati-Zigi amid public 'rift'

Football scout and coach Christopher Nimley has responded to Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi following the goalkeeper’s claims that their relationship had turned sour, insisting that his criticism has never been personal and expressing hope that they will reconcile in the future.

Speaking on Sporty FM, Nimley rejected suggestions that he has been pursuing a personal agenda against the St. Gallen goalkeeper, stressing that he remains one of Ati-Zigi’s biggest supporters despite his public critiques.

“He talked about my criticism of him being personal. If there’s anybody out there that seeks his success apart from his immediate family, nobody desires his success more than I do,” Nimley said.

The former youth coach explained that his comments have always been based on tactical observations aimed at helping the goalkeeper improve.

2026 World Cup: How $60 Black Stars tickets ended up selling for $800

“I will always critique him in a manner that will make sure it brings the best out of him. It has nothing to do with any personal interest; it was strictly tactical,” he added.

Nimley also extended an olive branch to the Black Stars shot-stopper, expressing confidence that the two will eventually mend their relationship while maintaining that Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare remains his preferred choice.

“If he thinks we have issues, he is always welcome to come home and I know that one day he will come home. The day he steps up and he is better than Benjamin Asare, I’ll say it. But I maintain that if I’m to choose between him and Asare, I’ll choose Asare,” he said.

Nimley’s comments come days after Ati-Zigi accused his former youth coach of turning football analysis into a personal campaign.

The Black Stars goalkeeper admitted Nimley had played an important role in his early development but revealed that their once-close relationship had broken down over the years.

Watch the video below:

FKA/VPO

Spain or Argentina?: Ghanaians reveal their World Cup 2026 final favourite