Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has opened up on his decision to quit South African club Chippa United despite not having any contract offers from other teams.
The move brings an end to his four-year spell with the South African club side, with the former Enyimba shot-stopper confirming that he is now a free agent and prepared to wait patiently for the right opportunity to continue his career.
Read Also: Stanley Nwabali leaves Chippa United to explore transfer market
Release request submitted during AFCON
Nwabali submitted his release request while on international duty with the Nigerian team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he helped Eric Chelle’s side defeat Egypt to secure the bronze medal.
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Speaking on South African radio with host Andile Nchube, Nwabali said:
“There is no contract in front; there is no club in front. I can’t guarantee a club will come today or tomorrow.
“I am not desperate to get a club, but whatever club comes, if it suits my agent and it suits me, I am going to play.”
‘It was a tough decision’
According to the goalkeeper, deciding while still representing Nigeria at AFCON to leave Chippa United midway through the season was difficult.
“It was a tough decision. It is not a nice feeling, but in football you have to take a step forward. It was something I really needed to do,” he explained.
“There was a very good understanding between both parties, and it was something we both felt was the best.”
Happiness over haste
Nwabali, who could end up sitting out the remainder of the season, insisted that the move was driven by personal fulfilment rather than any fallout.
“Nothing changed. In football, you wait for the right moment. You really need to enjoy where you are,” he said.
“Football is about happiness. Your happiness comes first.”
Eyes on trophies and competition
The Super Eagles goalkeeper also hinted at what will influence his next move, citing ambition and competition as key factors.
“Every player wants to win a trophy and play on a bigger stage,” Nwabali added.
“My dream is to win something. I tasted a trophy back home in Nigeria, and it is a nice feeling. I wished to do it with Chippa, but it was not coming.
“Every strong player wants competition. I want competition because it helps you see what you need to fix in your life and in your career.”
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