South Africa Premier Soccer League side Chippa United have announced a surprise parting of ways with Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, ending their association by mutual consent.
In a statement released on Thursday, the club confirmed that it had agreed to the player’s request to leave after reviewing and ratifying his transfer request. The decision brings an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the Super Eagles shot-stopper’s future.
Reacting to the news, former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu spoke exclusively to Footy-Africa, throwing his support behind the decision.
“It is a good one for himself he agent doing to make another deal. If he feels this is the right time for him to leave the club, then I will support him,” Shorunmu said.
“About the deal, it is good for him and I hope he ends somewhere he can shine and show what he can do.”
Shorunmu also praised Nwabali’s service to Chippa United.
“Whichever place he goes, I am sure he will shine and do well, but it depends on him. He has served Chippa United well, and if he feels the time is right for him to move, then that is cool,” he noted.
The former international concluded by urging Nwabali’s representatives to secure the right move:
“I hope the agent he is working with can get him a good deal because he is a good goalkeeper and our number one. He is a good goalkeeper who can keep getting better, as we have seen.”
‘Time will tell’: Nwabali coy on club future after AFCON heroics
Nwabali has been strongly linked with a move away from the PSL outfit following his outstanding performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the final.
The 29-year-old produced a series of commanding displays throughout the tournament, elevating his profile across the continent and beyond.
Despite persistent rumours after the AFCON, Nwabali remained with Chippa United until this latest development, which now opens the door for a new chapter in his career.
This season, Nwabali featured in 12 matches across all competitions, keeping two clean sheets for Chippa United. Footy-Africa exclusively gathered that the goalkeeper has potential deals lined up in North Africa and Saudi Arabia as he looks to take on a new challenge.
