After his remarkable performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), Stanley Nwabali, the goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, received a hero's welcome from both players and officials of Chippa United last Tuesday.
By displacing the regular number one, Francis Uzoho, to secure the top spot for the Super Eagles, the goalkeeper from Chippa United established his own reputation in Ivory Coast.
The Nigerian player participated in every match as the Super Eagles advanced to the final of the AFCON, experiencing their sole defeat against the hosts, Ivory Coast.
The 27-year-old expressed his deep gratitude for the unwavering support he received from Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi, the boss of Chippa United, which left him amazed.
In the semi-finals, Nigeria faced Bafana Bafana, and Mpengesi issued a statement extending his well-wishes to Stanley Nwabali and the Super Eagles.
However, the statement stirred controversy, with South Africans accusing Mpengesi of betrayal.
In his statement, Mpengesi affirmed, “I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.”
Nwabali saved two penalties during the shootout in Nigeria’s win over South Africa in the semi-final of the competition, earning him rave reviews.
Stanley Nwabali extols Chippa United chairman's support
Reflecting on Mpengesi's encouragement during the Nedbank Cup last-16 draw, where Chippa was drawn against FC Ravens, an ABC Motsepe League side, Nwabali shared, “The chairman gave me a lot of reasons to work hard at AFCON.”
He recounted Mpengesi's gestures of support, including messages and well-wishes even ahead of his own country's matches, which left Nwabali in disbelief.
“I really appreciate him, and I owe him a lot. He is really a nice man,” Nwabali added. Despite being one clean sheet away from clinching the Golden Glove accolade, Nwabali's impressive performance in the tournament underlined his value to Chippa United.
Despite rumours of a potential departure, Nwabali expressed his desire to extend his tenure with the club as a gesture of gratitude towards Mpengesi, stating, “A lot of people say, ‘Ahh Stanley, you must leave Chippa', but I wish to work for him for two more years.”
However, he concluded with a note of scepticism, admitting, “But I don’t think that wish will come true.”
Additionally, Nwabali emphasised his commitment to further improvement, stating, “I want to work harder than before. If I was putting in 100% before, now I must double that because a lot of people are looking up to me now.”
Are Kaizer Chiefs out of Stanley Nwabali transfer race?
South African media reports suggest that Amakhosi have withdrawn from the potential deal to sign Stanley Nwabali. Kaizer Chiefs were among the clubs reportedly interested in the Nigerian goalkeeper.
The reports indicate that Chiefs have stabilised their goalkeeping department for now, with no ongoing discussions regarding a new goalkeeper.
They plan to revisit goalkeeper discussions once the season ends, particularly with Itumeleng Khune's contract coming to an end, although Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen recently signed new deals.
