Why Stanley Nwabali returns to Chippa United after five-month absence - Agent

Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has rejoined South African Premiership club Chippa United, marking his return five months after an unexpected departure. The club officially announced the Super Eagles goalkeeper's comeback, ending speculation about his future following the mutual termination of his contract in February.

“

It is best you are being comfortable and enjoying the moment.

At the time of his exit, neither Nwabali nor Chippa United provided specific reasons, though the goalkeeper alluded to prioritizing his personal happiness and well-being. He described the decision as difficult but necessary, stating, "Football is something that deals with happiness, your happiness comes first." This move was particularly surprising as it followed Nwabali's signing of a new long-term contract with the club.

“

It was a strong decision, not a really nice decision and I felt it is best for me. Football is something that deals with happiness, your happiness comes first.

His representative, Mohammed Lawal, later revealed that Nwabali's absence was due to a period of intense personal grief. The goalkeeper had lost three close family members within a short span: his grandmother, his father, and his mother, who passed away on January 1, 2025. This series of losses significantly impacted him emotionally, even leading him to consider quitting football during the Africa Cup of Nations.

“

We told him, ‘This isn’t you. Take time away before you do permanent damage to your career.’

Lawal explained that Nwabali needed time away from the game to process his grief and prevent making rash decisions that could harm his career. "We told him, 'This isn't you. Take time away before you do permanent damage to your career,'" Lawal said. Nwabali himself had expressed that while the decision was tough, his chairman was understanding, likening him to a father figure.

“

The chairman has been like a father to me, understanding literally every day. When I talked to him, it was difficult to take that kind of decision, but he felt like it would be best for me.