Stanley Nwabali: Why Kaizer Chiefs Turned Down Chance to Sign Nigerian Star for R30m From Chippa

Stanley Nwabali: Why Kaizer Chiefs Turned Down Chance to Sign Nigerian Star for R30m From Chippa

Raphael Abiola
June 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM
In this article:
Kaizer Chiefs logo
Kaizer Chiefs
South Africa
24
Stanley Nwabili logo
S.Nwabili
-GNigeria logo
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Chippa United logo
Chippa United
South Africa
30
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
  • Kaizer Chiefs' reason for not signing Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United has been unveiled as the Soweto giants show interest in another goalkeeper
  • The Nigerian international was linked with the Glamour Boys and other top clubs after his performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
  • Chippa United placed R30 million on the Super Eagles goalkeeper but are yet to receive any concrete offer from the player's suitors

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The truth about Kaizer Chiefs' decision to opt against signing Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United has emerged as the club continues to search for a new goalkeeper.

The Nigerian goalkeeper was linked with a move to the Soweto giants after his stellar performance for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Several clubs showed interest in the Chippa United shot-stopper, but the Glamour Boys were reportedly his preferred choice.

Stanley Nwabali claims the ball during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal match between Nigeria and Angola on February 2, 2024. Photo: MB Media.
Stanley Nwabali claims the ball during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match between Nigeria and Angola on February 2, 2024. Photo: MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

According to a report by the South African, per FARPost, Chippa United's former technical director Morgan Mammila confirmed Chiefs were offered the chance to sign Nwabali but turned down the opportunity because he didn't fit the profile of the goalkeeper they wanted.

"The reasoning from Chiefs was that there's a certain profile of a goalkeeper they're looking for. He's a good goalkeeper, but certainly not what they're looking for," he said.
"Again, the focus is seemingly on getting the new coach in; hence, they turned down the opportunity to sign him."

The Soweto giants are still in the transfer market for a new goalkeeper to replace Itumeleng Khune.

Reports claim Chiefs are exploring the chance of pricing Ugandan international, Salim Magoola, away from Richards Bay this summer.

Amakhosi faces stiff competition from their city rivals, Orlando Pirates, who are also interested in signing the Ugandan goalie.

Nwabali drops transfer hint

Sports Brief previously reported on Nwabali addressing his desire for a move away from Chippa United this summer.

The ex-Enyimba goalie had an outstanding 2023/24 season with the Chilli Boys in the DStv Premiership, keeping 12 clean sheets in 29 appearances.

Saudi Pro League side, Al Ettifaq, have made an enquiry about the possibility of signing the Nigerian goalkeeper, with Queens Park Rangers also doing the same.

Authors
Raphael Abiola photo
Raphael Abiola
Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over five years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015.