‘No space for Nwabali’ – Super Eagles GK misled out of Chippa United, says ex-PSL star

Former South African goalkeeper Motsoeneng Tshepo believes Super Eagles star Stanley Nwabali may have been wrongly advised before ending his contract with Chippa United, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nwabali’s exit from the club earlier this month came as a surprise, especially as it followed his strong showing for Nigeria national football team at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, where Nigeria claimed a bronze medal in Morocco.

Chippa United had publicly stood by the goalkeeper during the tournament, yet both parties agreed to part ways despite six months still left on his deal.

South African club, Chippa United is supporting Nigeria over South Africa in their AFCON game.

Nigerian Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali plays for them. pic.twitter.com/H3bQBKI2Rv

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) February 7, 2024

That decision made the former Lobi Stars shot-stopper a free agent, able to join another club immediately.

The 29-year-old, who joined Chippa in 2022 from Katsina United, is still without a new team weeks later. He has even turned to social media to ask clubs to consider signing him, a move that has raised concerns among former players like Tshepo.

It was more than a family❤️. To my lovely teammates, dear coaches, amazing fans and great chairman. As I stand here to say farewell, a part of me will always remain with this club. I wish you success and happiness in the seasons ahead.
Thank you and farewell. Until we meet again pic.twitter.com/d0BTUCWjMH

— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) February 5, 2026

Tshepo says no space for Nwabali at PSL big clubs

Speaking to KickOff, Tshepo suggested the Nigerian goalkeeper may have been encouraged to leave Chippa after being told other clubs were interested.

Tshepo said, “I think Nwabali decided to leave Chippa United, and there might have been an agent who told him there was interest from another club.”

He explained that Chippa United’s owner is known for allowing unhappy players to move on, but warned that Nwabali may now be facing the harsh reality of the Premier Soccer League.

Tshepo also felt Nwabali’s performances this season had dipped and that he had not yet proven he was above PSL level.

“I don’t think Nwabali has moved beyond the PSL. Chippa is trying to avoid being relegated, and for Nwabali, he had to show at Chippa without any clear doubt that he had grown beyond the PSL.

“He first has to be a really great goalkeeper in the PSL to move past it.

“After returning from the AFCON in Morocco, maybe he thought he would get a new opportunity from another team, but that didn’t happen.”

Tshepo questioned where Nwabali would fit among the league’s top sides; Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

He pointed out that Chiefs already have Brandon Petersen in good form, Pirates rely on Sipho Chaine alongside Ricardo Goss, while Sundowns boast national number one Ronwen Williams.

“If he wants to move to one of the top three teams, where do you think he might go? Kaizer Chiefs have Brandon Petersen, and he is showing this season that he is the right person for the role.

“At Orlando Pirates, there’s Sipho Chaine, who is winning trophies and wants to be included in the Bafana Bafana World Cup team, but he’s behind Ricardo Goss.

“At Mamelodi Sundowns, they have the country’s top player, Ronwen Williams.

“Remember, you signed a foreign goalkeeper to be the number one, but now when you bring him to Sundowns, what happens to Ronwen? Where will he work alongside the top three? They have no space for Nwabali.”

Nwabali, who has 34 caps for Nigeria, was first-choice goalkeeper at the 2023 and 2025 AFCON tournaments, helping the Super Eagles win silver and bronze respectively.