Stanley Nwabali to Remain With Chippa United Until His Contract Ends or Leave for R20m?

• Stanley Nwabali is back with Chippa United and is rediscovering his love for South Africa
• The Nigerian goalkeeper's popularity sky-rocketed during AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast
• The Chilli Boys are in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 against third division side, FC Ravens

The familiarity of his club environment has brought calm to Nigeria's number one.

Having been reunited with his Chippa United teammates, Stanley Nwabali has been reminded of how appreciated he is at the South African club.

His heroics at AFCON made him a household name and as the frenzy has died down, he has had time to take stock of what matters most.

Nwabali admitted to missing his Chippa teammates while in Ivory Coast for AFCON, but must pack his backs again soon having been cleared for Nigeria's upcoming internationals.

Stanley Nwabali Shuts Down Rumours of a Possible Exit From Chippa United

Football

Before he departs, he may be tasked with keeping goal in Chippa United's Nedbank Cup Last 16 tie with FC Ravens.

The 27-year-old is not taking anything for granted, accepting that Darren Johnson could be allowed to keep his cup place after helping The Chilli Boys secure a 3-1 Round of 32 win over NC Pros.

Joint coaches Kwanele Kopa and Thabo September are unlikely to leave Nwabili out, as he has 'vowed' to stay with the club until his contract expires in 2026. Ending rumours of an overseas move, SABC News quoted him as saying:

“To be honest, there’s no deal. I have never seen any deal, I only see it online. I have never seen a deal on my table."

The comments are in contrast to an early SoccerLaduma report that claimed Nwabali could leave if a club parted way with R20 million, or fractional more than $1 million.

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Chippa will be up against another third-division side in the Nedbank Cup, FC Ravens, on Saturday afternoon at Buffalo Park in East London.

Stanley Nwabali's first post-AFCON clean sheet

Sports Brief recently reported on Nwabali earning his first clean sheet back with Chippa United.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper took an extended break after Nigeria lost the AFCON final to hosts Ivory Coast.

The 27-year-old goalie had a solid outing as the Chilli Boys defeated Richards Bay 3-0 in the DStv Premiership.