Head coach of South African PSL side, Chippa United, Thabo September has shed light on the uncertain future of first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Stanley Nwabali’s impressive performances for the Nigeria national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have attracted attention from several clubs .
Nwabali has enjoyed a significant rise in recent months. Six months ago, he was just another Nigerian goalkeeper in the South African Premier League. However, things changed at the turn of the year, when coach Jose Peseiro invited him to the Super Eagles 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad following Francis Uzoho’s inconsistencies.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper recorded four clean sheets in the competition and saved two penalties in the shoot-out against South Africa in the semifinals to help the Super Eagles clinch silver.
Multiple reports suggest that clubs such as Al-Ettifaq from Saudi Arabia, Queens Park Rangers from the England Sky Bet Championship, and Kaizer Chiefs have expressed interest in acquiring the Nigerian goalkeeper this summer.
Addressing the ongoing transfer speculation, Chipa United coach Thabo September admitted that he cannot guarantee Nwabali’s stay with Chippa United beyond this summer.
“While I wouldn’t use the term ‘fear,’ there is certainly a significant possibility of losing him,” September stated in an interview with SABC Sport. “It’s a part of the nature of the club and the football industry.”
Stanley Nwabali joined South Africa’s Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022 and has since emerged as a key player for the team.
At the moment, his future at the club remains uncertain amidst growing interest from other clubs.