Super Eagles shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali has said despite being linked with a number of clubs, no concrete approach has been made by any of the reported interested parties.
The 27-year-old captured the attention of the World following his impressive displays at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast.
Nwabali went into the AFCON with a lot to prove, having never been capped in a competitive game for his country. His inclusion in the squad was a huge gamble by then-coach Jose Peseiro, who had watched him only once before inviting him to the national team.
However, the goalkeeper emerged as one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the tournament, keeping four clean sheets as the Super Eagles secured a runners-up finish after losing 2-1 to the hosts in the final.
The Chippa United shot-stopper’s performances at the AFCON led to him being linked with several clubs, while his consistency in the South African league has also piqued the interest of some of the PSL teams.
‘No offers on my table since AFCON’ – Stanley Nwabali
Nwabali joined Chippa United from Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Katsina United in October 2022 and has since established himself as the club’s number one in the last one-and-a-half years.
While he still has some years left on his contract, the Nigeria international’s outstanding performances at the AFCON have led to talks over a move away at the end of the season.
However, reacting to the speculations surrounding his future, including reported interest from English Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, Nwabali said he personally hasn’t received any offers since the AFCON ended.
“You see, to be honest, I’ve never seen anything on my table ever since AFCON. Maybe those clubs might have spoken to my team or my manager,” he told FARPost.
“But at this point, we can’t do anything. And they can’t approach me because it would be unprofessional. They must go to my club or my manager.”
Nwabali expecting offers in the summer
Nwabali has rarely given anything away concerning his future despite constantly being in the news. In March, the goalkeeper said he was in no rush to move to Europe after many Nigerian fans had suggested he deserved a bigger stage following his exploits at the AFCON.
The former Enyimba and Lobi Stars shot-stopper has remained grounded, with a return of nine clean sheets in 20 matches in the South African league further enhancing his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers on the continent at the moment.
While the 27-year-old refused to confirm approaches from any clubs, he hinted at expecting some offers this summer when the transfer window opens. Aside from QPR and Al Ettifaq, Nwabali has also been linked to Kaizer Chiefs as a potential replacement to Itumeleng Khune, whose contract will expire at the end of the season.
“So I don’t know if there’s something on the table, maybe waiting for towards summer or transfer window. You know most clubs always do this. When they show interest, you’re opening the way to some other clubs,” Nwabali further stated in the interview with FARPost.
“So, some people always keep it a secret, and when they get you, they get you once. For now, I know nothing.”
It remains to be seen where Nwabali will be playing next season but it is increasingly looking like Chippa United would not be able to hold on to their goalkeeper beyond the current campaign. Meanwhile, since displacing Francis Uzoho as the Super Eagles’ number one, Nwabali has started each of his country’s last 10 matches.
