Super Eagles Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali Under Fire for Club Exit
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is facing significant criticism following his decision to leave South African club Chippa United without securing a new team. This move comes after his impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, where he showcased his skills on an international stage. Nwabali's departure was granted by Chippa United on Thursday, February 5, 2026, ending his four-year tenure with the club, despite having six months remaining on his contract.
Backlash from Former South African Goalkeeper
Former South African goalkeeper Motsoeneng Tshepo has voiced strong concerns about Nwabali's career prospects. Tshepo believes that Nwabali may struggle to find a place in the top three clubs of South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL), namely Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns. He highlighted the intense competition for the goalkeeper position at these clubs, suggesting that Nwabali's AFCON form might not be sufficient to secure a starting role.
Tshepo stated, "If he wants to move to one of the top three teams, where do you think he will go? Kaizer Chiefs have Brandon Petersen, and he is showing this season that he is the right person for the role. At Orlando Pirates, there's Sipho Chaine, who is winning trophies and wants to be included in the Bafana Bafana World Cup team, but he's behind Ricardo Goss. At Mamelodi Sundowns, they have the country's top player, Ronwen Williams."
Challenges in Securing a New Club
Nwabali's situation has drawn attention as he remains without a new team two weeks after leaving Chippa United. Tshepo argues that Nwabali has not demonstrated growth beyond the PSL level, noting that his performance this season has not met expected standards. He speculated that Nwabali might have been influenced by promises from an agent to find a bigger club, but this has not materialized, leaving the goalkeeper in a precarious position.
"I don't think Nwabali has moved beyond the PSL. Chippa are trying to avoid being relegated, and for Nwabali, he had to show at Chippa without any clear doubt that he had grown beyond the PSL. He first has to be a really great goalkeeper in the PSL to move past it," Tshepo added.
Additional Criticism from Nigerian Former Goalkeeper
Former Nigerian goalkeeper Bassey Akpan has also questioned Nwabali's decision, describing the timing as risky. Akpan pointed out that leaving a club immediately after the transfer window has closed could jeopardize Nwabali's career, especially as a national team player who needs regular playing time to maintain form and fitness.
This backlash underscores the challenges faced by athletes when making career moves without solid backup plans. Nwabali's case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of strategic planning in professional sports.
