Chippa United co-coach Thabo September has acknowledged the likelihood of the club potentially losing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at the end of the season.
The Nigeria shot-stopper was among the stand-out players at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, with The Super Eagles having stumbled at the last hurdle against hosts Ivory Coast following an impressive run in the tournament.
Nwabali has subsequently been linked with a possible move and September, speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with host Andile Ncube, said they can’t rule it out. “It’s not the right word to use, but of course I think there’s a high possibility of losing him. I don’t think it’s a fear [to lose him], that’s what the club is about,” said September.
“It’s about giving players a platform and opportunity, be it a player or coaches that have gone through this club, so it’s the circle of it.”
Nwabali has kept 11 clean sheets for Chippa in 25 games across all competitions, and September argues this has been an immense contribution in The Chilli Boys’ quest to try and finish in the top eight this season.
“He’s been huge for us. With the clean sheets that we’ve kept, I think you saw some of the games, especially if you look at the SuperSport [United] game, the save he makes in the second half,” he noted.
“So, for us to have gotten that 2-0 there was a huge contribution from him.”
Nwabali responds to calls
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has responded to calls for him to ditch Chippa United for a bigger club after his Afcon displays.
Nwabali made a name in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals as he kept four clean sheets as Nigeria reached the final where they narrowly fell 2-1 against the hosts.
The custodian caught the attention of potential suitors with his agility and ability to deliver at the highest level after replacing Francis Uzoho as the Super Eagles’ first-choice keeper.
“People have been sending messages like they want me to move to Europe or they want me to move to a bigger club,” Nwabali told the media.
“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.”
There have been uncomfortable reports that Nwabali found it tough in the Premier Soccer League after helping Nigeria beat Bafana in the Afcon semi-final.
However, the 27-year-old has been adamant he is going back to his team to complete the ongoing season.
Clubs interested in Nwalibi
At least two confirmed clubs are interested in signing Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.
This was revealed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, on his twitter handle.
Romano named the clubs as Al-Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia and Queens Park Rangers in England.
He tweeted: “Nigeria GK Stanley Nwabali, on the list of different clubs as Al Ettifaq in Saudi and Queens Park Rangers in UK have enquired about him.
“His South African club Chippa United will consider his future move in the next months.”Nwabali is widely expected to leave Chippa United this summer, after impressing with the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
