'Stanley Nwabali Dreamt of Kaizer Chiefs': Chippa United Coach Makes Claims About Nigeria Goalkeeper

• Chippa United's Stanley Nwabali was one of Nigeria's standout players at the 2023 AFCON
• The Chilli Boys goalkeeper was linked with moves away from the club after the tournament
• Chippa United coach has disclosed that Nwabali wanted to join Kaizer Chiefs before AFCON

Stanley Nwabali was barely known before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he made his name with Nigeria.

Chippa United goalkeeping coach recently disclosed that the Super Eagles star wanted a move to Kaizer Chiefs, and his childhood dream was to play for Amakhosi.

Nwabali is playing in his second season in the DStv Premiership after joining the Chilli Boys in the 2022/23 season, per Far Post.

The 27-year-old has been arguably the second-best goalkeeper in South Africa in the last two years behind Mamelodi Sundowns star, Ronwen Williams, making 39 appearances for Chippa United and keeping 12 clean sheets.

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Chippa's goalkeeping coach, Sean Louw, claimed Nwabali wanted to join Kaizer Chiefs before the 2023 AFCON.

“His childhood dream was to always play for Kaizer Chiefs, but even me, my childhood dream was to play for Kaizer Chiefs. I don’t blame him,” said Louw via The South African.

“At the beginning of this season, he wanted to play for Kaizer Chiefs, but I said to him before you speak to Kaizer Chiefs, first go to AFCON because you will win the AFCON, and you will be so much more worthy than at Kaizer Chiefs, with all due respect.”

Nwabali enjoyed an incredible AFCON tournament where Nigeria reached the final. He kept four clean sheets and was narrowly beaten by Williams in the Golden Glove race.

He has been linked with a move away from Chippa. Several South African and European clubs are reportedly interested in his services.

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Chippa United's statement on Nwabali

Sports Brief earlier reported on Chippa shedding light on Nwabali's future at the club after increased speculation about his destination after the summer transfer window.

Club boss, Siviwe Mpengesi, acknowledged the Nigerian needed to move to a much bigger club but said they would only part with their star keeper if a suitable offer came in.

Chippa give Nwabali hero's welcome

Sports Brief also previously reported on Chippa United giving Nwabali a hero's welcome following his return to the club after the 2023 AFCON.

The club posted photos on Instagram showing the Super Eagles goalkeeper sharing a touching moment with fans while wearing a silver medal.