Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper raises concern over Nwabali's decision to quit Chippa United

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi questioned Stanley Nwabali’s decision to terminate his Chippa United contract, as he worries that his physical preparedness for upcoming national team fixtures could be impacted. 

With Nigeria’s first-choice  goalkeeper now a free agent, after he handed in a contract termination request which was granted by the South African club, Akpeyi, who also played for Chilli Boyz, raised concerns over the timing of the decision. 

“It’s just that the timing of Nwabali leaving Chippa is something I’m not sure about,” Akpeyi said to FarPost. “Was that a decision from him or from his agent, because the window is closed? 

“You can’t really sign for any team for now, except maybe they had this done before the window closed. Or they’re only putting it into the media space now.

“Otherwise, there’s going to be a FIFA break soon, the national team is going to be engaged, and as number one of the Nigerian national team, he’s obviously going to be needed to participate.

“You want to be game-ready, game-fit, for you to be able to participate in those games. But so far, things have been working well for him, so that might not be the case.

“He certainly remains in the frame for national team selection, regardless of his current playing status. I truly believe things will fall into place for him; he is in the prime of his goalkeeping career. At this level, you don’t just sign for any club.

“He deserves a move to a side that is not only bigger and more prestigious but also more financially stable. Given his pedigree, he has earned that.”

As Pulse Sports reported, Nwabali submitted an official request to leave Chippa United, which the club granted, effectively making him a free agent. 

Nwabali joined the South African club in 2022, having left the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) side Katsina United.

Following several impressive performances, he became the club's primary starting player at the start of the 2023/24 season. 

His impressive performances earned him his debut call-up to the Nigeria national team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a tournament where he ultimately rose to national hero status.