The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Chippa United

  • Nwabali leaves Chippa United after four-year spell

    Nwabali leaves Chippa United after four-year spell

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has officially parted ways with Chippa United after spending four years at the club.

    Chippa United confirmed Nwabali’s departure in a statement released on Thursday, revealing that the 29-year-old submitted a formal request to leave despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2024. The club stated that it had accepted his request and granted him a release.

    The statement read, “We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club, his contribution to the club will always be appreciated, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”

    The club did not disclose whether Nwabali has already secured a move elsewhere or if he will be available as a free agent. The goalkeeper has also remained silent on his next destination.

    Read Also: Nwabali stops Salah, Marmoush as Nigeria claim AFCON bronze

    However, reports suggest that Nwabali is attracting interest from other clubs within the Premier Soccer League, as well as suitors in Europe and Saudi Arabia, following his rise in profile over the past two seasons.

    Nwabali joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022 and went on to make over 70 appearances for the South African side. His leadership qualities were recognised in 2024 when he was appointed club captain.

    During his time at Chippa, Nwabali established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, a status cemented by his standout performances at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. His exit now brings to a close a significant chapter in his career, with anticipation growing over where he will play next.

  • Chippa United coach confirms Nwabali possible departure

    Chippa United coach confirms Nwabali possible departure

    Chippa United head coach Thabo September has acknowledged the likelihood of losing several key players, including Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, during the upcoming June transfer window.

    The club has faced challenges in retaining top talent, with many players having moved on to other teams in previous seasons.

    Despite Nwabali signing a new contract earlier this season, interest from foreign clubs remains high. September conceded that the club may have to part ways with players they can no longer keep, as part of a broader strategy to rebuild and prioritize youth development.

    Read Also: Nwabali keen on Chippa United’s stay

    “We will lose some, but there’s definitely a core group we’ll keep,” September said during a recent media session in Hammarsdale.

    “It’s part of football. If you want to improve your team, sometimes you have to sell your best players, reinvest in younger talent, and aim for stability.”

    He added: “Yes, we’ll lose a few, but we’ll rebuild in those areas and maintain the rest of the squad.”

  • Transfers: Why Chippa United  rejected  offers for Nwabali

    Transfers: Why Chippa United  rejected  offers for Nwabali

    The Chairman of Chippa United, Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi, has emphasised that they refused to allow Stanley Nwabali to move to another club despite several offers after his performance at the  2023 African Cup of Nations performance.

    The Super Eagles goalkeeper instead signed a three -year extension with the same club that stopped him from moving to a higher league despite receiving several offers from clubs within and outside South Africa.

    Mpengesi confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs approached them but they were unable to agree and went ahead to speak on how Amazulu offered them a peanut for Nwabali.

    Read Also: Fans beg NFF not to retain Eguavoen for Super Eagles

    “It was never about the price; there were two teams who were interested. One of them is Amazulu, but they were offering peanut,” the Chippa United helmsman disclosed. “There were talks we had with Kaizer Chiefs before the end of the season but we saw them signing another goalkeeper.

    “For Kaizer Chiefs, we were even going to give them ( Nwabali), and the price was not even that high. We were more looking at the interest of the player, you know, he was going to play for a big club.

    “Amazulu were offering peanuts; they wanted us to give them Nwabali for that amount; that was a disrespect, “he concluded.

    Nwabali kept 26 games for Chippa United last season and got booked 11 times.