Over the course of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), a few teams had shown interest in Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and a Saudi club was rumoured to be amongst those teams.
Interestingly, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed the identity of the Saudi team in a tweet on Sunday, and it turns out to be Al-Ettifaq.
Coached by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, Al-Ettifaq's squad consists of players like Moussa Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Karl Toto Ekambi.
They also had Jordan Henderson until January.
Although Al-Ettifaq's first choice goalkeeper Paulo Victor has done a fairly good job this season, the Brazilian shot-stopper is 37 years old.
The Saudi outfit are keeping tabs on 27-year-old Nwabali, with their first two goalkeepers being over 31.
Nwabali impressed at the AFCON, keeping four consecutive clean sheets as Nigeria's Super Eagles won silver.
Arguably his best performance came in the semi-final against South Africa, when he saved two penalties, sending Nigeria to the final.
QPR also keen on Stanley Nwabali transfer
According to Fabrizio Romano's tweet, Al-Ettifaq aren't the only suitors for Stanley Nwabali's signature. Championship side Queens Park Rangers are also interested in the Super Eagles goalie.
As it stands, QPR are currently on a quest to avoid relegation to League One. They have struggled to keep the goals out, conceding in nine of their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Like Al-Ettifaq, QPR's first-choice goalkeeper is nearing his retirement, as Asmir Begovic turns 37 in June.
Should they escape relegation, a reliable shot-stopper like Nwabali would be vital for QPR if they are to mount a title challenge next season.
Super Eagles goalkeeper wants to stay with Chippa United
Despite the rumours surrounding his future, Stanley Nwabali has expressed his desire to remain with Chippa United.
In an interview with SABC, the 27-year-old said he would like to play one or two more years with Chippa United‘s chairman Siviwe Mpengesi.
It's worth noting that Mpengesi supported Nwabali when Nigeria clashed with South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the AFCON semi-finals.
Chippa United will have to make a decision on Nwabali's future in the coming months.
How has Stanley Nwabali fared post-AFCON 2024?
Although AFCON 2024 ended in the second week of February, Stanley Nwabali did not return to Chippa United until the last week of the month.
The Super Eagles shot-stopper has one appearance for the PSL side since his return, starting in a 1-1 draw at Stellenbosch on the first day of March.
Nwabali made two fine saves against Stellenbosch, completing 82 percent (23/28) of his passes in the process.
