Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faces a conundrum over choosing between what his head and heart want at the end of the season.
2024 has been a breakout year for the 27-year-old, who has gone from a peripheral figure to the Super Eagles’ number one. Nwabali had not been capped in a competitive game for his country before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in the Ivory Coast but Jose Peseiro gambled on him by putting him ahead of the error-prone Francis Uzoho.
The Chippa United goalkeeper grabbed his chance with both hands, starring at the AFCON as Nigeria finished in second place. Nwabali was also one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament, having kept four clean sheets in seven matches.
The former Enyimba shot-stopper particularly gained attention during the semi-finals of the AFCON, where he produced two saves in the Super Eagles’ penalty shootout victory over South Africa. Nwabali has since usurped Uzoho as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and his impressive displays have led to links with some clubs on the continent and abroad.
Chippa United goalkeeper’s trainer reveals Nwabali’s dream club
In recent months, the Nigeria goalkeeper has been linked with South African sides Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, while English Championship club Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise are also said to be keen on signing him.
However, it has now emerged that Nwabali has always dreamed of playing for Kaizer Chiefs. According to Chippa United’s goalkeeper’s coach Sean Louw, the goalkeeper confided in him that it’s his childhood dream to wear the Amakhosi jersey.
Louw further revealed that Nwabali was determined to join Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the season and would have made the move if the club presented an offer to Chippa United.
“Between you and me his childhood dream was to always play for Kaizer Chiefs, but even me, my childhood dream was to play for Kaizer Chiefs, I don’t blame him,” Louw told SABC Sport.
“In the beginning of this season, he wanted to play for Kaizer Chiefs, but I said to him before you speak to Kaizer Chiefs, first go to Afcon because you will win the Afcon and you will be worth so much more than (you would be) at Kaizer Chiefs with all due respect.”
Stanley Nwabali urged to consider lucrative Saudi Arabia move
Nwabali is in his second year with Chippa United but has already established himself as one of the best goalkeepers on the continent following his standout performances at the AFCON three months ago.
He has also been impressive in the South African league, where he has kept 10 clean sheets in 24 games. In April, Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengesi disclosed that talks were ongoing with some clubs abroad over the potential transfer of their prized goalkeeper.
Although Mpengesi did not disclose which clubs had registered interest in Nwabali, he said Chippa United would not stop their number one from leaving if a good offer is tabled. With the Nigeria international all but set to play elsewhere next season, Louw has urged him to consider the lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.
Among the clubs linked with Nwabali are Saudi Pro League sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq, and the Chippa United goalkeeper’s trainer believes the Nigerian would be better served playing under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq while also making some good money.
“I would love for him to join Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia, and I can give many reasons why, number one – it’s Arab money and number two you are coached by the legend of the game who is willing to understand how the game is being played now,” Louw added.
Meanwhile, Nwabali will be aiming to finish the season on a high, with Chippa United currently sitting in 11th position in the South African top-flight. The 27-year-old will also be hoping to be at his best when the Super Eagles face Bafana Bafana in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier next month.
