Super Eagles star and 2025 AFCON bronze medalist Stanley Nwabali has opened up about his departure from Chippa United after a four-year marriage with the Betway Premiership side.
This comes after Nwabali submitted a request to leave the Chilli Boys, which was subsequently granted, as confirmed by the club on Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Nwabali signed for the Vusumuzi Vilakazi coached-side from Nigeria’s Katsina United in 2022. He leaves the Gqeberha club as a fan favourite with over 75 appearances under his belt, as per Transfermarkt statistics.
Nwabali’s exit follows years of rumours linking him to a move away from the Chilli Boys. The 29-year-old has been reportedly drawing significant interest from Kaizer Chiefs and clubs across Europe and the Gulf region.
‘IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION TO MAKE’: STANLEY NWABALI
The Nigerian shot-stopper admitted that saying goodbye to the Chilli Boys was one of the hardest moments of his career.
“It was tough since yesterday when this decision was made. It’s not really a nice feeling, you know, but football is football because you need to improve and take a step forward,” Nwabali told Metro FM.
“But like I said, everything is good on our part. This is something we felt was a good decision for us. Parting from the club after four years is not a good feeling because it’s like leaving your home, where you have been with these guys for a long time, with different coaches, the chairman, and players, and now you part ways with the club.
“However, I might say goodbye now, but not forever, you know. I really wish the club and everyone I have met there well. This was a difficult decision to make; it wasn’t nice at all. But there are no hard feelings or anything. This was a mutual agreement that we felt was the best for us. We wish each other well and I am looking forward to my career.”
STANLEY NWABALI SAYS THERE ARE NO OFFERS AS YET FOR HIM FROM OTHER CLUBS
Nwabali went on to clarify that his departure from Chippa wasn’t sparked by a pending deal elsewhere.
“To be honest with you, there’s no contract offered to me by any team at the moment. Like I said, the club and I really understand the decision. In football, your happiness comes first,” he added.
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