.svg.png){kind=logo}
Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has rejoined South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Chippa United just days after being spotted in training at the club.
Nwabali retuned to Chippa as they begin preparations for the 2026/27 campaign under the guidance of coach Brandon Truter.
Nwabali’s departure from Chippa earlier this year shocked many after his impressive performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he helped the Super Eagles clinch a bronze medal with a penalty shootout win against Egypt.
Confirming Nwabali’s return Chippa, in a statement, wrote: Chippa United Football Club is delighted to welcome Stanley Nwabali back to the Chilli Boys.
“After taking time away, Stanley Nwabali returns to the Eastern Cape, and we are pleased to welcome him back to the club.”
In his absence, goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi became the first choice, delivering a series of strong performances to help Chippa United escape relegation.
Msibi finished the season on a high, keeping five clean sheets and earning the captain’s armband, which even put him in contention for a Bafana Bafana call-up.
However, his position now looks to be under threat as Chippa have confirmed the return of Nwabali to the club.
Meanwhile, according to iDiski Times, with the return of Nwabali, Chippa have reportedly reversed their decisions on two potential signings, as they are no longer expected to sign former Polokwane City goalkeeper Brian Bwire or defender Bongani Sam.
Following his departure from Chippa United Nwabali was unable to secure a move to another club and was out of action for months.
This led to him missing the 2026 Unity Cup in May and the double-header friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.
In 2018, Nwabali joined Go Round, a Nigerian club based in Omoku, Rivers State before later securing a move to Enyimba in 2020, followed by a move to Lobi Stars, Katsina United and Chippa United in 2022.
By James Agberebi
8 Comments
What kind of news is this? Going forward, backward, or staying static? Nwabali, was this a stunt between you and Chippa? I just hope you regain your spot.
Education is good. What about Akor Adams wey resemble Dr Mosquito? Person wey for use bigger club increase his value but low self esteem don join his plight that is why him see Venezia as next base.
@wike, ees ok, yuh har very wiked. pls watoff parara? were ees hin? Tanks
Stanley! Next time, you should leap before you jump! Your age does not give you opportunity to take some risks. It could have been easier, if you were younger! Wishing you the best, my brother.
Had Nigeria qualied for the world cup,Nwabali would be sold to the world because despite his flaws,he’s a brave and confident net minder.
Unfortunately,that wasn’t the case…Because Dr Congo made sure any hope of further progression to the world cup was thwarted!Painfully so!
He probably thought his performances at Afcon and beyond is enough marketing to get him a better club after quitting Chippa.But it all went bad because no one cared enough to at least show an interest,very disappointing it must have been for the gloves man who had a decent Afcon.
Meanwhile,going back to Chippa to keep fit and active is the only option available until hopefully,a better club than Chippa shows an interest in the future..
However, his continued absence from the super eagles gave Okoye and Wrexham goalkeeper the opportunity to stake a claim for the number one position.
Now that Nwabali is up and running,Eric Chelle has 4 good goalkeepers to chose from. Aside Nwabali we also have Okoye,Okoronkwo and Uzoho.
The question now is,who will be number one between Nwabali and Okoye?We may have to wait until September to get an answer…
Hehehehe……his pride seems to have dissolved into thin air.
What has he lost……..6 months of game time, 6 months pay, match sharpness and fitness (that takes long for athletes for regain), his captains armband, his 1st choice position, trust and integrity within his club and his place in the national team.
What has he gained…….Nothing of note
I repeat, those who lied to him that European clubs would sign him sold him the big lie that almost ruined his career. Top clubs do not deal with emotions neither do they pander around theatrics…..not even the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando pirates or Kaizer Chiefs there in South Africa. No top clubs gambles on signing a goal keeper who has been out of action for as much as 6 months…..not even if he is David de Gea.
God bless whoever advised him to swallow his pride and return to Chippa United. Something tells me Etafia had a huge influence in this regard.
Thumbs up Doctor Dare. You nailed it.
That’s why I still put 60% of the blame of not qualifying for the WorldCup on the players for staging that useless protest on the eve of the WorldCup playoffs. Wetin concern NFF when your future and career is on the line? Nigeria not playing at this Mundial is the reason our players are not attracting top clubs. I hope Chelle can just be brutal and face out all the players that can’t spill their blood for Nigeria. Because it seems most of this players don’t know what it means to play for Nigeria.