Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has rejoined South Africa’s Premier Soccer League club Chippa United just days after being spotted training with them as they begin preparations for the 2026/2027 campaign under the guidance of coach Brandon Truter.
Nwabali’s departure from Chippa earlier this year shocked many after his impressive performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he helped the Super Eagles finish third with a penalty shootout win over Egypt.
Confirming Nwabali’s return, Chippa United said in a statement that it was delighted to welcome the player back to the Chilli Boys.
The statement further said after taking some time out, Nwabali returns to the Eastern Cape, and the club is pleased to welcome him back to the club.
In his absence, goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi became the first choice for Chippa United delivering a series of strong performances to help the club escape relegation.
Msibi finished the season on a high, keeping five clean sheets and earning the captain’s armband, which even put him in contention for a call up to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa squad to the 2026 World cup.
However, his position now looks to be under threat as Chippa confirms the return of Nwabali to the club.
Following his departure from Chippa United, Nwabali was unable to secure a move to another club and was out of action for months.
This led to him missing the 2026 Unity Cup with Nigeria in May and the high profile international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.
In 2018, Nwabali joined Go Round FC, a Nigerian club based in Omoku, Rivers State before later securing a move to Enyimba in 2020, followed by a move to Lobi Stars, Katsina United and Chippa United in 2022.