Tag: Nwabali

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is said to be under the radar of Moroccan giants, Raja Casablanca ahead of the new season.

Nwabali reputation has soared since his standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, where he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s run to the final.

The Chippa United shot-stopper has been a consistent performer, and he was named captain following his decision to remain at the club last summer. Nwabali, who still has two years left on his current contract at the South African club, has emerged as a surprise target for the North African club.

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According to South African publication,  Unplayable, Raja Casablanca are keen on securing the 29-year-old’s services this summer. Chippa United are reportedly open to letting Nwabali leave if a suitable offer arrives, with the goalkeeper currently valued at €650,000 on Transfermarkt.

Raja Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most successful clubs, boasts an illustrious record with three CAF Champions League titles, three Confederation Cups, nine League Cups, and 13 Moroccan Botola Pro titles. The club is eager to strengthen its squad as it targets continental glory once again, and adding a quality goalkeeper like Nwabali could significantly boost their ambitions.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains focused on the end of the season  amid rumours of a potential departure from Chippa United in the South African Premier Soccer League to Europe.

Several media outlets recently reported that Chippa United was prepared to sell their goalkeeper and that a transfer was in the works. However, while a move cannot be completely ruled out, Nwabali has not received any official communication regarding a possible transfer during the upcoming summer transfer window.

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In an exclusive interview with Africafoot, a representative from his agency, David Moss Group, provided clarity on the situation, stating that no move has been initiated and that there are currently no proposals under discussion with Chippa United.

“These rumours are unfounded; we have not received any contact or information from Chippa. As for the future, it is out of our control. For now, the speculation about Stan (Nwabali) leaving is false. We will see what the summer brings, but as of now, he is not in a hurry and is concentrating on the remainder of the season,” he said.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept his fourth clean sheet of the season as he helped Chippa United secure a hard-fought 2-0 away victory over Cape Town City at the Cape Town City Stadium in a Betway Premiership clash.

Nwabali was instrumental in keeping the hosts at bay, making six crucial saves that gave his side the platform to seize control of the game later on. However, the Nigerian shot-stopper had a few nervy moments early on. In the third minute, Prins Tjiueza spotted him off his line and attempted an audacious lob, only for the ball to graze the crossbar.

Minutes later, Nwabali was again caught out when Tshegofatso Nyama launched a speculative effort from inside his own half. This time, he reacted brilliantly, pulling off a superb one-handed save to keep the score level at halftime.

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Chippa United eventually broke the deadlock in the second half through Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who struck in the 61^st  minute before doubling his tally nine minutes later to seal a brace in the Cape Town derby.

Cape Town City pushed for a way back into the contest, but Chippa’s defense, marshalled by Nwabali, stood firm to ensure they returned home with all three points. The victory sees the Chilli Boys leapfrog Cape Town City into ninth place, moving into the top half of the table.

Nwabali will have one eye on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March, where Nigeria will take on Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

The former Enyimba and Go Round FC goalkeeper remains the country’s undisputed No. 1, but head coach Eric Chelle faces a selection headache in the goalkeeping department following Maduka Okoye’s injury and Francis Uzoho’s lack of game time at club level.

• As Super Eagles suffer flight hitch

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is grieving the loss of his father, who passed away shortly after the AFCON qualifier draw against Benin Republic on Thursday.

His teammates have expressed their condolences after the heartbreaking news was broken. 

In his emotional post, Nwabali paid tribute to his late father with heartfelt captions, writing, “Rest in peace, dad” and “Rest in heaven,” accompanied by tearful and heartbreak emojis.

In response to his loss, several Super Eagles players took to their social media platform to offer their words of comfort to the South Africa-based goalkeeper.

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Captain William Troost-Ekong was one of the first to express his support, writing, “Love you my brother, Nwabali, we dey together,” Victor Boniface, who has been in excellent form for Bayer Leverkusen, also sent a message of strength, saying, “Stay strong bro,” while Moses Simon mirrored similar sentiments, offering his support with “Stay strong bro, we are together.”

Super Eagles’ third goalkeeper choice, Amas Obasogie, shared a more personal note: “My Chief, I hold you close in my thoughts in this sad time. I’m deeply sorry for your loss.”

The team prepares for their final AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, slated to be held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, and it is still unclear if Maduka Okoye will be handed minutes so Nwabali can exit the camp to attend to his family.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles were held up at the Abidjan airport several hours after they were scheduled to fly out to Uyo, officials told SCORENigeria

Super Eagles footballer Stanley Nwabali has celebrated his 28th birthday with a heartfelt message on social media.

The footballer posted stylish photos alongside a note of encouragement and reflection on his journey so far.

Read Also: AFCON hero Nwabali eager to shine in front of home fans

In his post, Nwabali wrote: “Happy birthday to me. It’s always been a journey of belief and determination. I wish my very self all I have prayed for. Cheers to the good life.”

Fans and friends have joined in celebrating Nwabali’s special day, wishing him a happy birthday and congratulating him on his achievements.

Super Eagles Goalkeeper  Stanley Nwabali has disclosed  his desire to be fielded in Friday’s  FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa as it will afford him the  chance to man the post for the first time in the Nigeria’s colours in front of the home fans .

The  South Africa-based Chippa United  goalkeeper  virtually gate-crashed his way into the 2023 African Cup of Nations party in Cote d’Ivoire  where he shone like the neon light in the dark and has been the Eagles number one goalie ever since.

The goalkeeper posited that the games with South Africa and Republic of Benin will give him and the rest of the Eagles squad an opportunity to represent Nigeria, adding he is excited with the prospect of playing before the country’s fans and supporters.

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“The World Cup qualifiers have come and we must put all our attention to it. The games afford us another motivation to play for our nation. I’m excited to have an opportunity to play in front of our fans. I am looking forward to it if I have the opportunity,” Nwabali told the NFF TV.

He said he was  not under pressure to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana  as well as former Eagles number one, Maduka Okoye whom he would be meeting for the first time in the national team.

“There is no pressure. We will just take the game one at a time. We just have to put our thoughts together and go for a win against South Africa and approach the next game with Benin Republic in similar way,” he said. “To play at the World Cup will definitely boost my CV.

“I am not under pressure because of the presence Maduka Okoye and Ojo Olorunleke. I have watched both goalkeepers. They are good and we are in the Eagles to help our nation. This is my first time working with Maduka Okoye.”

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as well as Leicester City duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho are the latest players to storm the Super Eagles training camp in Uyo ahead of important 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Also in camp is AC Milan player, Samuel Chukwueze, who arrived in Uyo yesterday to dispel injury fears. The winger has been left out by AC Milan from a friendly against fellow Serie A club AS Roma to allow him to recover from a muscle problem.

Injury has already forced Victor Osimhen out of the World Cup qualifiers, while Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has asked to be left out.

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Turkey-based players Fisayo Dele Bashiru and Ibrahim Olawoyin have also reported in camp.

Olawoyin is a late replacement for Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella, who has asked to be excused due to family reasons.

Home-based Olorunleke Ojo, Sodiq Ismail, and Kenneth Igboke as well as Tanzania-based defender Benjamin Tanimu were the early arrivals in Uyo.

Nigeria welcome South Africa to Uyo on Friday, June 7, before they head out three days later to Cote d’Ivoire to battle Benin in a second World Cup qualifier.