Chippa United head coach, Thabo September has admitted that first-choice goalkeeper and club captain Stanley Nwabali could leave the team this summer amid growing interest from abroad.
Nwabali was heavily linked with a move away from the Chilli Boys following his standout performances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 28-year-old impressed during the tournament, helping the Super Eagles reach the final and catching the eye of scouts from clubs in Europe, the Middle East, and other African leagues.
Despite the interest, Nwabali committed his future to Chippa United by signing a new three-year contract earlier this season.
He was also handed the captain’s armband in recognition of his leadership and influence on and off the pitch.
However, that hasn’t stopped clubs from monitoring his situation. According to September, the club may have to accept the reality of letting go of some of its best players if suitable offers come in.
The coach revealed that part of Chippa United’s long-term strategy includes selling high-performing players and reinvesting in young talent.
“We will lose some, but there’s definitely the core we will keep,” September told Far Post. “It’s football, when you want to make your team better, then you sell your better players and invest in younger players and try to be stable.”
Nwabali joined Chippa United from the NPFL in 2022 and has since grown into a key figure at the club.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Chippa United will have a decision to make: cash in on their prized asset or hold on to him for one more season.
Either way, Nwabali’s future will be one of the biggest storylines for the club in the coming months.
