Nigeria international Stanley Nwabali has rejoined South African Premiership side Chippa United, five months after leaving the club by mutual consent.
The Eastern Cape club announced the Super Eagles goalkeeper’s return on Saturday, ending months of speculation surrounding his future.
Nwabali’s departure in February came shortly after he signed a new long-term contract with the club, with both parties declining to disclose the reasons at the time.
Speaking after his exit, the goalkeeper described the decision as difficult but necessary for his well-being.
“It is best you are being comfortable and enjoying the moment.
“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,” Nwabali said.
His representative, Mohammed Lawal, later revealed that the goalkeeper stepped away from football following the deaths of three close family members within a short period.
According to Lawal, Nwabali lost his grandmother shortly before Nigeria’s 2024 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic. His father, Godspower Nwabali, died soon after, while his mother, Grace Nwabali, passed away on January 1, 2025.
The emotional toll of the losses led the goalkeeper to consider quitting football altogether.
“We told him, ‘This isn’t you. Take time away before you do permanent damage to your career,’” Lawal said.
He explained that Nwabali deliberately chose not to make his personal struggles public, adding that the decision had nothing to do with disagreements with Chippa United or transfer interest from other clubs.
“People deal with things differently. At that time, he didn’t want to tell anyone what he was going through. He believed he could handle it himself,” Lawal said.
Despite attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Africa and England, Nwabali opted to remain out of football until he was mentally ready to return.
Lawal also disclosed that the goalkeeper sought professional support during his break and received encouragement from Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who maintained regular contact with him.
“Now Stanley is ready. He’s more than ready. He’s taken the time he needed,” he said.
Lawal added that Nwabali’s positive relationship with Chippa United played a key role in facilitating his return.
“At Chippa, everyone knows him. They understand him. That gives him the best chance to get back to the level he was at before,” he said.
Nwabali, who rose to prominence with his performances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will now look to revive his club career as he resumes competitive football with Chippa United.