What next for Nwabali after Super Eagles goalkeeper's shock Chippa United exit?

Stanley Nwabali’s time at Chippa United has come to an unexpected end, bringing the curtain down on a spell that transformed him from a little-known import into one of Africa’s most talked-about goalkeepers.

With his contract situation and rising profile aligning, attention now turns to where the Super Eagles stopper goes next.

Chippa United confirmed that Nwabali has left the club following a mutual agreement, granting the goalkeeper’s request to move on with six months remaining on his deal.

The 29-year-old joined the Chilli Boys from Katsina United during the 2022/23 season and steadily grew into a key figure in Gqeberha.

In their statement, the club praised Nwabali’s professionalism and commitment, thanking him for his service and wishing him well in the next phase of his career.

His exit comes at a time when he was eligible to sign a pre-contract elsewhere, with interest building after his impressive international performances.

Nwabali’s rise reached a new level at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he kept four clean sheets in seven matches and played a major role in Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish under Eric Chelle.

With Stanley Nwabali now officially on the market, interest that once felt speculative is starting to harden into real conversations.

The most advanced enquiries are believed to be coming from Simba SC, one of East Africa’s most powerful clubs.

The Tanzanian giants, led by South African Steve Barker, who previously coached Nwabali, are actively searching for an experienced goalkeeper capable of delivering consistency in domestic competition and continental tournaments, and Nwabali fits that profile perfectly.

Regular CAF competition, strong financial backing, and a clear route to silverware make Simba an attractive option if negotiations progress.

Closer to home, Kaizer Chiefs have also been mentioned as admirers, although no formal move has yet been confirmed.

Chiefs’ long-standing goalkeeping issues mean Nwabali’s AFCON pedigree would instantly elevate their squad, while keeping him within the Southern African football ecosystem where he is already settled and respected.

Beyond Africa, Nwabali’s name continues to circulate in Europe and the Middle East, particularly following his composure under pressure at AFCON.

English Championship side Queens Park Rangers were previously linked, and while that interest cooled after the tournament, his free-agent status could reopen doors for a move to Europe, especially for clubs seeking an experienced, low-risk option between the posts.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia remains a realistic destination. Al-Ettifaq were among the clubs monitoring him after AFCON 2025, and with Saudi sides increasingly targeting proven international players outside the traditional superstar bracket, Nwabali’s profile is appealing: experienced, reliable, and still in prime years.

Ultimately, the Super Eagles goalkeeper is in a strong negotiating position. Free of contractual ties, coming off the best football of his career, and with multiple markets showing interest, Nwabali now has the rare opportunity to choose a move that suits him perfectly.