After an impressive season, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is ready to leave Chippa United for a fresh challenge.
Nwabali’s second season with the Chilli Boys was a glittering one after he unseeded Namibian international Loydt Kazapua for the goalkeeper’s number one jersey which consequently saw him get the nod for the Super Eagles squad.
The former Katsina United shot-stopper received his first national team call-up in a friendly match in August 2023 before he went on to put up an impressive performance in the Africa Cup of Nations. He led Nigeria past South Africa in the semis but fell short at the last hurdle losing 2-1 to the hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
Countless rumours have swirled around the future of the big Nigerian goalkeeper, with Belgium outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise said to be keeping close tabs on him. Nwabali has also expressed his desire to weigh up his options ahead of the new season.
“The transfer window is going to open soon but for me, I wish to take a step [forward| I don’t know if it will be South Africa or Europe,” Nwabali told the media via Siya Gijana.
“I played well for my club [Chippa United] this season, they also wished me to go play in a bigger team. Even if it’s South Africa or Europe I will play. I’m not saying goodbye yet, most big teams are looking for me, and most people are looking for me.”
When Nwabali was asked which team he would like to play for in the DStv Premiership between the top three, he mentioned that football is business so whoever comes up with the highest bidder will have him.
“Football is business, if the chairman says this is the highest bidder I will go for it, I don’t have a specific club like Chiefs, Pirates, or Sundowns,” he concluded.
The Nigerian international played 29 matches across all competitions for the Gqeberha-based outfit this past campaign. He kept 12 clean sheets, conceding 27 goals.
