South African club Chippa United has confirmed the departure of Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after approving his request to leave the club.
In a statement on Thursday, the Eastern Cape side said Nwabali formally submitted a request to depart and the club agreed to grant his release.
“Chippa United Football Club confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart club. After careful consideration, the club has agreed to grant his release,” the statement read.
The club thanked the goalkeeper for his time with the team and wished him well in his next move.
“We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club. His contribution to the club will always be appreciated,” it said.
Chippa United added that it wishes Nwabali success in the next phase of his career.
Nwabali joined Chippa United from Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League in 2022.
He spent four years at the club, played over 70 matches and was named captain in 2024.
He signed a three-year contract extension in 2024 but still requested to leave the club.
The club did not disclose whether the 29-year-old has joined another team or will leave as a free agent.
Nwabali has also not spoken publicly about his next destination, although reports have linked him with other clubs in the South African Premier Soccer League, as well as teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Nwabali gained wider recognition during his time at Chippa United, where his club performances earned him a place in Nigeria’s national team.
He became the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where Nigeria reached the final.
He retained the role at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and helped the team finish third.
Before moving to South Africa, Nwabali played in the NPFL, building his career before his move to Chippa United provided a platform for his international breakthrough.
