Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has opened up on his decision to leave Chippa United despite having no concrete offers, insisting the move was driven by personal growth and happiness rather than pressure or dissatisfaction.
The 29-year-old, speaking on Sports Nights Amplified with Andile Ncube, is currently a free agent after mutually agreeing to part ways with the South African club he spent four years with, describing the decision as one of the toughest of his career.
“Football is something that deals with happiness. Your happiness comes first,” Nwabali said.
“It wasn’t an easy decision. Leaving after four years is like leaving your home.”
Stanley Nwabali celebrates with his Chippa United teammates. Photo Credit: PSL/X
Nwabali revealed that although the agreement to terminate his contract was finalised after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the decision itself had been made earlier.
“The agreement was accepted yesterday (5th of February) but the request wasn’t made yesterday. I made it two weeks before AFCON ended,” he explained.
Despite links to clubs across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, the Super Eagles goalkeeper confirmed that no official approaches have been made so far.
“There are no calls yet. The only calls are from my family and friends and people who are shocked at the news,” he said.
Stanley Nwabali. Photo Credit: Chippa/X
He went further to stress that he left Chippa United without any deal or offer already in place, describing the decision as a mutual understanding between both parties.
“I’m trying to be honest with you, there’s no contract, no club in front of me,” Nwabali said.
“Both parties really understood the situation. Even the chairman asked if I could wait until the end of the season to be sold to another club.”
The goalkeeper reiterated that he has placed no restrictions on his next move.
“I can play anywhere I want to play. There is no restriction. I am open to any club, local or international.”
Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Nwabali’s availability is expected to attract significant interest following an impressive AFCON 2025 campaign, where he played a key role in Nigeria’s bronze medal finish, keeping four clean sheets in six matches.
Reflecting on winning his second successive AFCON medal, he admitted the tournament was particularly demanding due to high expectations.
“Every tournament has its own way. This one was tough because there were a lot of expectations, even though the atmosphere and facilities were good,” he said.
“The next one will be tougher, but with the calibre of players we have, I believe we are going to win it.”
Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Addressing speculation around his departure, Nwabali dismissed suggestions that he left Chippa United to avoid sitting on the bench, explaining that he had been managing an injury before AFCON.
“No, not like that. Before AFCON I was injured from the Pirates game and trying to fix myself,” he said.
“After coming back from a big tournament, the understanding was that I would rest for two or three games before this decision was taken.”
Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
He also explained why he chose not to leave the club after AFCON 2023, despite interest at the time.
“Nothing changed. Football is about waiting for the right moment, you need to be comfortable and enjoy where you are. I felt it was best for me to stay then, but now is the right moment to move” he said.
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The goalkeeper insisted he has no regrets about staying loyal to Chippa United.
“I don’t really regret it. The only regret in my life is losing both my parents, everything else comes with time, and I believe what is ahead is bigger.”
Photo Credit: AFP
Nwabali described his departure as amicable, stressing that there were no hard feelings between both parties.
“It’s an agreement. We wish each other well,” he said.“I might say goodbye now, but not forever.”
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The former Katsina United shot-stopper declined to comment on the incident involving stolen personal items during AFCON 2025, describing it as a sensitive issue.
