Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper and Chippa United captain, could be on his way out of the club this summer, according to head coach Thabo September.
Despite signing a three-year contract extension after an impressive showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nwabali is reportedly attracting renewed interest from clubs outside South Africa ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chippa United manager Thabo September acknowledged the growing transfer speculation, hinting at a potential exit for the 28-year-old shot-stopper, whose stock has risen sharply since his standout performances for the Super Eagles.
“We will lose some, but there’s definitely the core we will keep,” September told FarPost. “It’s football. When you want to make your team better, then you sell your better players and invest in younger players and try to be stable.”
Nwabali’s name has been on the radar of several European and Middle Eastern clubs since his heroics at AFCON 2023, where he played a key role in Nigeria’s impressive run to the final. Known for his calm presence and quick reflexes, Nwabali became a fan favourite for his penalty-saving performances.
He joined Chippa United in 2022 from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and has since become a pivotal figure at the South African outfit—earning the captain’s armband and establishing himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the DStv Premiership.
Club Transition and Summer Outlook
With Chippa United focusing on building for the future, Coach September has admitted that the club will not stand in the way of players who receive better offers elsewhere.
“We want to invest in younger players,” September added. “The focus is on maintaining a strong core while creating opportunities for emerging talent.”
This strategy suggests that while chippa united values Nwabali, they may be willing to cash in on him if the right offer comes in—especially if it benefits both the player and the club financially.
While no official bids have been made public, clubs from Europe, the Gulf region, and even top-tier African sides are believed to be monitoring Nwabali’s situation closely. His contract extension in 2023 gives Chippa United a strong negotiating position, but with a player of his calibre, movement seems inevitable.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Nwabali could become one of the most sought-after Nigerian players abroad, further amplifying the influence of NPFL exports in global football.
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