With his performances at Afcon with the Super Eagles and his excellent club form, the keeper is in demand with a host of teams chasing his signature.
- Nwabali had a great season
- His form has alerted Chiefs, Pirates & overseas teams
- Footballblogzz looks at his career and transfer prospects
WHO IS NWABALI?
Stanley Nwabali was shaped at Go Round FC in Nigeria before joining Enyimba Aba, Wikki Tourists, Lobi Stars, and eventually Katsina United.
When the latter was relegated, the custodian then jumped ship to South Africa where Chippa United gave him a chance to taste the Premier Soccer League and Mzansi football at large.
He has been with the Chilli Boys since 2022, rising to command his place as the team’s first-choice keeper and earning his first call up to the Nigerian national team since he played in a 4-0 friendly loss to Mexico in 2021.
THE TALE OF THE TAPE
Before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast, Nwabali was an unknown figure to those who were not following Mzansi football and Chippa United.
However, his exploits – including keeping four clean sheets in the seven Afcon games, and stopping penalties in the semi-final win over Bafana Bafana, saw his value rise. Nwabali went on to win Silver with Nigeria.
Back in Mzansi, Nwabali played 26 games for the Chilli Boys and managed to keep 12 clean sheets in the process.
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TRANSFER TALK
Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and several overseas teams including Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq have been linked with the services of the Super Eagles keeper.
Chippa have already confirmed the 27-year-old will not be part of their squad in the forthcoming campaign, even though he still has a contract with the club, so it is up to his various suitors to stump up the money for Nwabali.
WHAT WILL NWABALI COST?
Chippa have valued the goalkeeper R30 million since they feel it is what he is worth after his exploits at club and international level, although TransferMarkt place his price closer to the R12 million mark.
It will be interesting to see whether the likes of Chiefs and Pirates can cough that much for the West African.
WHAT’S NWABALI’S BEST MOVE?
Bucs have already lost Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane – who coach Jose Riveiro felt were surplus to requirements, leaving Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezi as the two senior keepers. Nwabali would definitely have to prove he is better than the duo.
Chiefs have not been doing well in the goalkeeping department; Brandon Petersen has been erratic while Itumeleng Khune’s time is almost over. Bruce Bvuma is currently the main man in Amakhosi’s goal.
It would be a statement of intent from Chiefs if they were to move for a keeper of Nwabali’s quality and price.
The Super Eagle has already said he would prefer to remain in the PSL so it would take a really good offer of first team football to tempt him to Saudi or England.
