Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to remain clubless following Chippa United exit?

by Devesh Jaganath

image Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to remain clubless following Chippa United exit?
Stanley Nwabali looks likely to remain without a club until at least the end of the 2025-26 season after asking to leave South African PSL outfit Chippa United during his 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles.

Nwabali admits he has no offers on the table

Nigerian national team goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has opened up about his recent decision to leave PSL team Chippa United in the middle of the South African top-flight season. 

Nwabali opted to submit his release request while on international duty with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Eric Chelle's side beat Egypt to claim the bronze medal and confirm our football predictions.

In a recent interview, the 29-year-old revealed that while he felt it was the right time to seek a new challenge, he did not have any offers on the table and was fully aware there was a possibility he could spend several months without a permanent role if the transfer window ended before he could find a new home. He said:

"It was a tough decision. It is not a nice feeling, but in football, you have to make a step forward. My dream is to win something. I tasted a trophy back home in Nigeria; it was a nice feeling. I wished to do it with Chippa, but it was not happening. I am not desperate to get a club, but whatever club that comes, if it suits my agent and it suits me, I am going to play.”

Nwabali joined the Chilli Boys in 2022 from Katsina United and established himself as one of the most dependable shot-stoppers in Africa. During his time with the club, he made 76 appearances across all competitions and kept 25 clean sheets. 

What the future may hold for Nwabali 

While Nwabali mentioned in his interview that he is in no real rush to find a new club, the timing of his release from Chippa United could not have come at a worse time, as there is a very real possibility that he could remain as a free agent until the end of the season. 

Given his free agent status, the Super Egales’ number one is free to join any club that makes him an offer, but with the registration window in most countries now closed, he will not be allowed to feature in competitive matches until next term.

Among the clubs that have shown interest in his services is Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC, who tried to sign him last season but was unable to meet the $367,000 asking price Chippa had placed on their shot-stopper’s release. They may consider a new approach, with Moussa Camara currently sidelined through injury. 

If the 29-year-old cannot secure a permanent move by the end of the season, he does still have the option to return to Nigeria, where any number of NPFL clubs would jump at the opportunity to sign him, though that would also include him having to take a significant pay cut.