How family tragedy forced Stanley Nwabali’s shock exit from Chippa United

The real reason behind Stanley Nwabali’s shock exit from Chippa United earlier this year has been revealed, with the Super Eagles goalkeeper stepping away from football after the devastating loss of both his parents and grandmother within a short period.

Nwabali’s agent, Mohammed Lawal, disclosed that the Nigerian international’s decision to leave the South African Premiership club in February had nothing to do with transfer speculation or contractual disputes, but was driven by overwhelming grief and the need to protect his mental health.

Read Also: Stanley Nwabali rejoins Chippa United to revive club, Super Eagles career

The 30-year-old goalkeeper completed a surprise return to Chippa United ahead of the 2026/27 season, just five months after leaving the club, ending months of speculation over his future.

Speaking to ESPN with Nwabali’s permission, Lawal explained that the goalkeeper temporarily walked away from football after losing his grandmother, father and mother in the space of just two months.

Nwabali’s grandmother died weeks before Nigeria’s 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic. His father, Chief Godspower Nwabali, passed away shortly after the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw in the same period, while his mother, Grace Nwabali, died on January 1, 2025.

“It has been very difficult for Stanley,” Lawal said.

“People don’t always know what is going on with these players. They only see them on the field. They know them as footballers, but they don’t know that they are human beings too. Like everyone else, they go through life’s challenges.”

Grief took a heavy toll

Lawal said the emotional burden of losing both parents left Nwabali struggling to cope with life and football simultaneously.

“After losing his parents, he became responsible for everything. There was a lot he needed to take care of,” he said.

“As a professional, he knew he had to keep playing, but it was affecting him. If he continued, he was going to destroy himself because when you’re not in the right mental state, it shows.”

According to Lawal, the personal tragedy affected Nwabali’s performances and behaviour during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign and the Africa Cup of Nations.

“If you look back, you’ll see the difference. Stanley used to be lively and always smiling,” he said.

“During the last AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers, he became unusually aggressive. He was shouting at teammates and confronting opponents. But that wasn’t the real Stanley.

“When he first started playing for Nigeria, everyone talked about how calm he was under pressure. Later, people thought he had become overconfident or aggressive. They didn’t know what was happening inside him.”

Mental health came first

Lawal said Nwabali chose not to publicly disclose his struggles because he wanted to deal with them privately.

“You ask why he and the club didn’t publicly say he was taking time off for his mental health. But it wasn’t something they planned together. Stanley realised he needed to step away and asked to be released,” he said.

“People deal with things differently. At that time, he didn’t want to tell anyone what he was going through. He believed he could handle it himself.

“Sometimes you want to appear strong, but inside you’re suffering.”

The agent stressed that the goalkeeper owed no one an explanation until he was ready to share his story.

“These are private matters. He doesn’t owe anyone a detailed explanation about his personal life until he is ready to. People should respect that.

“It had nothing to do with the league, feeling bigger than the club, or receiving offers from elsewhere. He did it for himself so he could return to playing at the level he is capable of.”

Lawal added that Nwabali’s departure was reached amicably, with the goalkeeper and Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi reaching a mutual understanding.

Now back at the Eastern Cape club, Nwabali will be hoping to rediscover the form that established him as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers and earn a recall to the Super Eagles.