South African side Chippa United are reportedly resigned to losing their first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after signing a replacement for the Super Eagles number one.
The Chilli Boys saw their shot-stopper head to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in the Ivory Coast as a novice on the international scene but returned with his value skyrocketing.
Nwabali was one of Nigeria’s most important players as the Super Eagles reached the final of the tournament, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast.
The 27-year-old started every game for Jose Peseiro’s side and enjoyed an incredible tournament, impressively keeping four clean sheets in seven matches.
Chippa United preparing for Nwabali transfer
Since returning from the AFCON, Nwabali has been linked with a transfer away from Chippa United, who currently sit in 12th position in the league.
The South African club signed the goalkeeper from Nigeria Premier Football League side Katsina United in 2022 and he has since risen to become their number one.
The Nigeria international has also made a great start to the 2023/24 campaign, with a return of seven clean sheets in 15 league matches earning him a place in the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON.
According to a report by The Citizen, Chippa United are preparing for life without Nwabali and will allow the goalkeeper to leave at the end of the season.
“Nwabali has done very well at the AFCON and the chairman [Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi] is aware of everyone that is looking to sign him,” a source at the club is quoted as saying.
“He represented the club well and put Chippa on the map at the AFCON, that’s what is pleasing for everyone at the club.
“He will be let go by the end of the season because the chairman and management believe it’s good for players to spread their wings.”
Chippa sign new keeper as potential Nwabali replacement
The latest development is that Chippa United are already making plans for the future after signing goalkeeper Darren Johnson from the University of Pretoria.
This means the Chilli Boys now have another option in their goalkeeping department in the event that Nwabali seeks a move away from the club at the end of the season.
Citizen.co.za reports that the South African club is open to accepting a favourable offer, with Nwabali said to be currently valued at around €2 million.
“I think once the team got the first offer for Nwabali that’s when the management decided to look for another goalkeeper to fill his spot,” the source added.
“They were lucky to get Johnson on a free transfer. It’s a good deal, and what’s nice about it all is that the team is going to benefit a lot from the Nwabali sale.
“He won’t come cheap and any team that wants him must know that they will have to pay a lot of money.”
Nwabali not in a rush to leave Chippa United
Meanwhile, Nwabali recently responded to reports that he’s angling towards a move to Europe, saying he understands why people are urging him to join a bigger club.
The Chippa United goalkeeper was, however, quick to add that he’s in no rush to leave the South African club and feels comfortable there.
“People have been sending messages like they want me to move to Europe or they want me to move to a bigger club,” he told Arise News.
“I really appreciate that, but to be honest, one thing about me is that I always feel comfortable even if I’m in a small place; I don’t like to rush.”
Nwabali has been linked with Kaizer Chiefs in recent weeks, while reports also suggest he’s being monitored by clubs from France and Saudi Arabia.
