- Chippa United confirmed that Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali requested to leave the club and was granted his release after careful consideration
- The club praised his professionalism and impact, noting his rise to first-choice goalkeeper and key role since joining in 2022
- Nwabali’s performances at Chippa launched his Super Eagles career, where he starred at AFCON 2023 and helped Nigeria finish third in 2025
South African Premiership side Chippa United have officially confirmed the departure of Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, bringing an end to a highly significant chapter in both the player’s career and the club’s recent history.
In a statement dated 5 February, the Eastern Cape–based club announced that Nwabali had formally requested to leave the team and that the club’s management had agreed to grant his release after careful consideration.
“Chippa United Football Club confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart the club. After careful consideration, the club has agreed to grant his release,” the statement read.
The club paid warm tribute to the 29-year-old goalkeeper, praising his professionalism, commitment and contribution during his time at the club.
“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,” the statement added.
Chippa United also wished the Nigerian shot-stopper success as he prepares for the next phase of his career, noting that his impact would not be forgotten.
Nwabali’s departure marks the end of an important era. Since joining Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022, he established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the South African Premiership. His commanding presence, sharp reflexes and consistency between the posts quickly earned him the status of first-choice goalkeeper and made him a key figure in the squad.
His club performances proved to be a turning point, launching him onto the international stage with Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Nwabali rose to prominence during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he emerged as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper. He played a central role in the team’s run to the final, producing a series of assured and composed displays that drew widespread praise across Africa and significantly boosted his profile.
He retained his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where he helped the Super Eagles secure a third-place finish, further cementing his reputation as one of the continent’s top goalkeepers.
Before his move to South Africa, Nwabali featured prominently in the Nigeria Professional Football League, where he built a reputation for resilience, discipline and steady improvement rather than headline-grabbing hype.
While Chippa United have not disclosed Nwabali’s next destination, his availability is expected to attract strong interest from clubs both within Africa and abroad, given his international experience and recent form.
For Chippa United, his exit leaves a notable gap to fill between the posts. For Nwabali, however, it represents the next step in a career defined by patience, hard work and consistent performances at the highest level.