“Waiting” – Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper reveals why Nwabali parted ways with Chippa United

Former Super Eagles and Lobi Stars Greg Etafia has revealed why Stanley Nwabali chose to part ways with Chippa United after the January transfer window, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old had a brilliant outing with the Nigerian National team at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Nwabali showcased his expertise at stopping penalties in high stake games against Egypt and Morocco.

However, it came as a shock to many when he announced he’d agreed to mutually part ways with the Chilli Boys, especially when the winter transfer window had slammed shut.

Nwabali: Greg Etafia explains why Super Eagles goalkeeper chose to quit Chippa

Etafia made four appearances in the green and white colours of Nigeria during his playing days, and has been Nwabali’s goalkeeper trainer since he left the Chilli boys.

The 43-year-old revealed that the former Enyimba International goalkeeper had offers from bigger clubs, but didn’t have permission to join them from his parent club.

“When I spoke to him, he told me he had a lot of offers when AFCON was on, he needed to go, but there is no agreement within the club,” Etafia said in an interview with Brila.

“He came, felt like he needed to play or go. Don’t forget Dumisani Msibi was doing well in his absence.

“At the same time he decided what he wanted, the club and him came to an agreement and he moved on. Right now he has a lot of offers and is waiting for the season to end.

“He is doing fine. I mean he wanted to keep fit thinking about the camp because he isn’t among the invitees.

“The three goalkeepers that were invited, those ones are playing at their clubs. But Nwabali has really contributed for Nigeria, I feel he could have been with them in camp.

“Sometime ago they did that too with Ademola Lookman, even when he was having issues with Atalanta,” the one-time MTN-8 Cup winner concluded.

Since making his debut in 2024, Nwabali has secured two AFCON medals for Nigeria.