2023 AFCON star Nwabali makes big decision on Chippa United future, speaks on Super Eagles loss to CIV

2023 Africa Cup of Nations star Stanley Nwabali has made a big decision on his future with Chippa United, stating that he wishes to leave the South African DStv Premiership club.

Nwabali confirmed that he's staying put at Chippa United for the time being as there's nothing concrete at the moment amid speculation linking him with possible transfers to teams in France and Saudi Arabia.

The 27-year-old put himself in the shop window in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations, where he was on the brink of posting five consecutive clean sheets before conceding a 90th minute goal in Nigeria's win on penalties against South Africa. 

Only Golden Glove winner Ronwen Williams managed to keep more clean sheets (5) and made more saves (20) than Nwabali during the tournament in Ivory Coast. 

The former Enyimba shot-stopper etched his name into Nigeria folklore after he broke Ike Shorunmu's record for the goalkeeper with most minutes without conceding a goal at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

When asked if he's returning to Chippa United or expected to move to Europe, Nwabali told reporters shortly after the Super Eagles' arrival in Abuja: "I must go back to my club definitely but there's no deal for now. I wish deals will come.

"I wish people's wish come true. I wish leaving but if there's no deal I'll still play there because without Chippa United I won't be here.

"I wish playing with them because I miss these guys, I play more with them."

Nwabali was disappointed that the Super Eagles were unable to bring the Africa Cup of Nations trophy back to Nigeria after their impressive performances en route to the final.

"To be honest it is a very tough one for us because as you can see these guys we are not happy. It was better we lost in the group stage and won in the final.

"We take it, it is football but I wish the next one will be better," he added. 
 

Nwabali was calm between the posts during the tournament which gave confidence to the Super Eagles players considering that there was a goalkeeper issue before the start of the AFCON.

"There is not much impact there. I want to give credit to my teammates like the defenders and literally everyone, even the coaches. They really did a nice job for me.

"Talking about this confidence of a thing, I felt like this is what I am going to add to the team because we have a lot of good players in the team.

"They also gave me confidence too because the way they talk to me, the way we associate, I felt that's the best I could do," he concluded. 
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com