From the the most sort after goalkeeper on the continent to relatively a regular player, the talks of chippa United shots stopper, Stanley Nwabali leaving for a bigger club could be another smoke in the wind.
Nwabali, highly regard for his arial strength, reflex and heroic penalty saves made the 2023 Africa Cup Nations in Côte d’Ivoire a stage for his ovation and visibility.
With a month to the tournament and the Super Eagles of Nigeria deficient in the goalkeeping department, the then head coach, Jose Peseiro travelled all the way to South Africa to see Nwabali play and to convince the management of Chippa United so he could have him in his team for the biennial competition.
Apart from a few minutes in a preparatory game against Guinea-Bissau in Abu Dhabi, Nwabali was thrown on the biggest stage in Africa but the former Kastina United man refused to crack.
His heroics include four clean sheets and two penalty saves against South Africa in the semifinals, although lost the AFCON final to the hosts Ivory Coast.
With all of the heights accomplished, coupled with the buzz around him, the 28 year old caught the attention of Queens Park Rangers of England, Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, even Kazier Chief and Orlando Pirates, top teams in South Africa.
While QPR pulled the plug first, Al Etiffaq waited long but no traces of agreement. Now the two South African club in over a month have also gone mute over Stanley.
It is difficult to believe that Nwabali despite all the accolades he received for his performances from last season and at the AFCON ealier this year amidst interest from a couple of clubs and the willingness of his club to let him go for as low as $3M, will remain at Chippa United as we speak.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun