Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has clarified that he is currently without a club following the mutual termination of his contract with South African side Chippa United.
The Super Eagles shot-stopper dismissed speculation about an imminent move, stressing that no deal is in place at the moment.
“To be honest with you, I don’t have a club or a contract in front,” Nwabali told SABC Metro FM.
He explained that the decision to part ways with Chippa United was reached amicably and in the best interests of both parties.
“It’s an agreement that both parties will feel at peace. We wish each other well, and I can look forward in my career,” he said.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Nwabali described his four-year spell as a positive chapter but acknowledged the need for progression.
“I’ve been at this club for four years. It’s really nice working here, but we all really need to move forward as players or as a manager. Football deals with happiness; my happiness comes first.”
The 27-year-old also rejected claims that he was forced out after losing his starting role to Dumisani Msibi following his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite having six months left on his contract.
“No, it’s not like that,” he explained. “Before I went for AFCON, I was injured from the Orlando Pirates game, and I was trying to fix myself to come back strong for the team and also go to AFCON.”
Nwabali added that discussions with club chairman Siviwe Mpengesi were based on mutual understanding, particularly after his involvement at the continental tournament.
“Coming back from AFCON, it was an understanding between me and the chairman. You’re coming back from a bigger tournament and have been playing for one month, so you really need to rest for one or two games,” he said.
He described his relationship with Mpengesi as close and respectful, likening it to that of a father and son.
“As I said, when I talked to him, it was difficult to take that kind of decision, but he felt it was probably going to be best for me. Ultimately, I made this decision by myself.”
