Stanley Nwabali to become highest-paid Nigeria GK as Kaizer Chiefs eye Super Eagles star

Stanley Nwabali could be on the verge of becoming the highest-paid Nigerian goalkeeper in world football if a proposed move to Kaizer Chiefs materialises, Afrik-Foot reports.

This is according to former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah while having a chat with SportsBoom.

Nwabali has been without a club since leaving Chippa United by mutual consent in February, but interest in his services has remained strong across the African continent.

After his impressive performances for the Super Eagles, especially at the Africa Cup of Nations, several clubs across the continent are said to be interested in signing him.

South African giants Kaizer Chiefs are among the clubs linked with the 29-year-old shot-stopper, while Simba SC and Wydad Athletic Club are also believed to be monitoring his situation.

But Idah insists that the possibility of Nwabali joining Kaizer Chiefs would be a huge step, especially because of the money involved.

“I’m aware of the Kaizer Chiefs interest. If he signs a contract with Kaizer Chiefs, it’s unbelievable,” Idah said.

Idah, who played in South Africa during his career, believes many people do not realise how much the country’s biggest clubs can pay their players.

“You will be shocked at what South African clubs pay.”

That statement gives an idea of why Kaizer Chiefs could become such an attractive destination for Nwabali, even if a move to Europe would normally be seen as the bigger football ambition.

Chiefs could tempt Stanley Nwabali to snub Europe

According to Idah, clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have the financial strength to secure a player’s future.

“Kaizer Chiefs is one of the ‘Big Three’ teams in South Africa: Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns. Any of these can comfortably look after you. It’s not only about playing football, but it’s also about your future and being comfortable.”

Idah went even further by claiming Nwabali could earn as much as $100,000 per month if he signs for Chiefs.

“A South African club can comfortably pay $50,000 a month without sweating. If he goes to Kaizer Chiefs, he will earn $100,000 (approx. ₦135 million monthly).”

If that figure becomes reality, Nwabali would overtake every other Nigerian goalkeeper in terms of wages. At present, Maduka Okoye, who plays for Udinese, is believed to earn below €70,000 per month.

Wrexham AFC goalie Arthur Okonkwo reportedly earns far less, while Francis Uzoho at Omonia Nicosia and Adebayo Adeleye at Enosis Neon Paralimni are also understood to be on much lower salaries.

That means a Kaizer Chiefs deal would place Nwabali at the top of Nigeria’s goalkeeping wage ladder.

Decision time for Stanley Nwabali

Despite the financial rewards on offer, Idah insists that playing regularly must remain central to Nwabali’s next decision.

“You don’t want to play in Greece, where they pay you $6,000 or $7,000. The issue is that you are constantly playing as a goalkeeper.”

That is a key point in Nwabali’s situation. At 29, he is in what many consider the peak years for a goalkeeper. Sitting on the bench in Europe for a smaller salary would hurt his momentum, especially when he is trying to remain Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of competition from Okoye, Uzoho and Okonkwo.

A move to Kaizer Chiefs would likely hand him immediate first-team football, a large salary and the chance to play for one of Africa’s biggest clubs. That combination may be difficult to ignore for Nwabali.

In the meantime, though, the former Enyimba goalkeeper has been left out of national team duties. Nwabali missed Nigeria’s games against Iran and Jordan in March and he looks set to be snubbed again for the Unity Cup, where the Super Eagles will face two of Zimbabwe, Jamaica and India.