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Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has finally opened up about his return to Chippa United, five months after leaving the South African club, while his agent revealed the deeply personal reasons behind the surprising decision.
The Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper rejoined the Chilli Boys after mutually terminating his contract in February, ending months of speculation over why he walked away despite recently signing a long-term extension.
Speaking after his return, Nwabali admitted that leaving Chippa United was one of the most difficult decisions of his career, but insisted it was necessary for his personal well-being.
“It was a difficult decision, but football is about happiness. Your happiness comes first. The club understood my situation and we both agreed that it was the best step for me,” the 29-year-old said in a previous interview.
While the goalkeeper chose not to reveal the true reason for his departure at the time, his representative, Mohammed Lawal, has now revealed that Nwabali was battling immense emotional trauma following the loss of three close family members in a short period.
According to Lawal, the death of Nwabali’s grandmother, father and mother left the goalkeeper mentally exhausted and forced him to take a break from football before the situation affected both his career and personal life.
“We told him to walk away before making a permanent decision that could damage his career. He was not in the right frame of mind and needed time to grieve,” Lawal told ESPN.
The agent stressed that Nwabali’s departure had nothing to do with disagreements at Chippa United or the interests of other clubs.
“There were offers from Saudi Arabia, England and other places in Africa, but Stanley just wasn’t ready to return to football. He needed time to recover emotionally,” he explained.
Lawal added that the goalkeeper deliberately kept his struggles private, insisting he was under no obligation to speak publicly about his mental health as he dealt with a personal tragedy.
He also revealed that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle maintained regular contact with Nwabali during his break, while the goalkeeper sought professional support before deciding he was ready to resume his career.
The strong relationship between Nwabali and Chippa United president Siviwe “Chippa”
Mpengesi finally paved the way for his return.
“Chippa United understood everything I was going through.
They know him not only as a goalkeeper but as a person. That’s why returning there was the best environment to rebuild his career,” Lawal said.
Nwabali shot to global fame after helping Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and will now look to rediscover his best form as he begins a new chapter with Chippa United ahead of the new season.
