Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has become a free agent following his departure from South African side Chippa United.
The 28-year-old left the Eastern Cape-based club by mutual consent on Thursday, bringing an end to a four-year spell. In a statement dated 5 February, Chippa United confirmed that Nwabali had requested to leave and that the club had approved his release after 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 said.
Nwabali had six months remaining on his contract but had declined several offers to extend his stay.
We Say Our Goodbye 🇳🇬🌶️ pic.twitter.com/Uux8Wl7ipl
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) February 5, 2026
Sources close to the situation told Footy-Africa that relations between the player and the club had been strained for some time, with tensions reportedly emerging shortly before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Chippa United had earlier announced that Nwabali would miss the tournament, a decision sources claimed was linked to his desire to leave the club.
‘Good one for himself’: Shorunmu on Nwabali leaving Chippa United by mutual consent
Despite his next destination yet to be confirmed, the goalkeeper is understood to have attracted interest from several clubs.
He has been linked with South African Premier Soccer League giants Orlando Pirates, an unnamed club in England’s League One, Tanzanian champions Simba SC, as well as teams in North Africa.
Talks between Simba SC and Chippa United reportedly took place several weeks ago but failed to progress due to disagreements over the transfer fee.
With most European transfer windows now closed, Nwabali’s options are believed to be limited to Africa, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East.
The former Enyimba goalkeeper impressed at AFCON, keeping four clean sheets in seven matches as Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a bronze medal under head coach Eric Chelle.
