Heartbreak for Nwabali as ‘come get me’ pleas to Kaizer Chiefs fall on deaf ears

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was excused after he lost his father. | @Nwabalibobo on X

Heartbreak for Nwabali as ‘come get me’ pleas to Kaizer Chiefs fall on deaf ears

Ayoola Kelechi 21:37 - 14.11.2024

The Super Eagles goalkeeper revealed he was keen to join the South African giants but they have now rejected the chance to sign him

Despite expressing his admiration for Kaizer Chiefs and his desire to join the South African giants, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali's transfer hopes seem to have hit a dead end. 

Although Kaizer Chiefs initially showed interest in Nwabali before signing Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, recent reports indicate the club is no longer pursuing the Super Eagles star.

Nwabali reveals love for Kaizer Chiefs

Nwabali’s impressive performances during AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, where he helped guide Nigeria to the final, attracted attention from multiple clubs, including South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. 

Stanley Nwabali in action for Chippa United

With several interested clubs circling around Nwabali, the Super Eagles stopper made his intention to play for Kaizer Chiefs public in a recent interview, saying, “To be honest, Kaizer Chiefs is really one of the clubs I really want to play for. 

Stanley Nwabali announced himself on the big stage at AFCON 2023 |Photo Credit: Imago

“This is the club I want to play for in South Africa, with all my heart. I won’t say I have been supporting them, but this is the club I felt I want to play for.” 

Chiefs reject Nwabali’s advances to focus on growth

While Nwabali has made it clear that Kaizer Chiefs is his preferred South African destination, insiders reveal the club is satisfied with its current goalkeeping options. 

Stanley Nwabali at Chippa United || Instagram

With experienced shot-stoppers like Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen, along with promising young talent from their development squad, the Chiefs feel no immediate need to add another high-profile goalkeeper. 

The club’s recent acquisition of Fiacre Ntwari only adds to this security, making any potential deal for Nwabali redundant. 

One insider mentioned, “If it was just up to the player, Nwabali could have joined Chiefs. He has expressed his love for the club openly. But with Chippa United’s asking price and Chiefs’ recent focus on youth goalkeepers, this option seems to be off the table for now.”

For Nwabali, the dream of wearing the Chiefs jersey remains alive, and he may still find his way to South Africa’s top club, but for now, he continues his journey with Chippa United, awaiting a new opportunity.

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