Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali could remain at Chippa United for next season as no club has made a concrete move for the Nigerian.

Given his impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles reached the final in February, one would have expected Nwabali to have already secured his move.

His performances, especially during the tournament where he emerged as a standout figure, led many to believe that he was the next big thing in Nigerian football.

Since the retirement of legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria have struggled to find a solid replacement, making Nwabali’s rise all the more significant.

Nwabali’s performances at the Africa Cup of Nations, particularly his crucial penalty saves during the semi-final shoot-out against South Africa, were key in propelling the Super Eagles to the final. Despite their 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast, Nwabali’s exploits left a lasting impression.

Nwabali exuded confidence and offered a calming presence at the back, helping defenders. His exploits at the African Cup of Nations put him in the crosshairs of several clubs and it seemed inevitable that he would leave Chippa United.

Indeed, Chippa United goalkeeping coach Sean Louw expected Nwabali to leave the club this summer, revealing the goalkeeper had received more than a dozen verbal offers.

“On paper, I don’t know how many offers he has received, but verbally, he has around 10 or even 12 offers. He is definitely not going to return to Chippa next season,” Louw said.

Even Chippa United’s owner confirmed that the club was in talks with foreign clubs, stressing that Nwabali deserved a bigger platform after his performance at the AFCON.

“We are in talks with some clubs abroad. We also believe that he needs something better, especially after the performance he showed at the African Cup of Nations,” said the owner.

Reports suggested interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the Belgian league and even England, with teams including Al-Ettifaq, Queens Park Rangers and Union Saint-Gilloise showing interest.

So why hasn’t anything materialized?

With just one month to go until the start of the 2024/25 PSL season, Nwabali may have to stay at Chippa United due to a lack of concrete offers.

Chippa United assistant coach Thabo September confirmed that Nwabali has been training diligently with the team, despite transfer speculation.

Septiembre admitted he was not aware of any firm offer for the former Enyimba goalkeeper, suggesting Nwabali was willing to stay if the situation remained unchanged.

“He is being a professional and training well, and if that… [transfer] “If it doesn’t happen, he is looking forward to playing in the PSL for Chippa United. But I, as a coach, don’t know if there is anything on the table,” September told FARPost.

“I’m not going to be like everyone else and say there’s something here and there. For my part, I don’t know anything about the table. But all I want is good things for him. I want the best for Stanley because he deserves it; he’s done well.”

An unrealistic price?

One major factor that could potentially hinder the signing of Nwabali is the high price tag Chippa United have imposed on him.

With his newfound fame, Chippa United are said to value the goalkeeper at £1.3m, a figure many consider inflated.

This high valuation has reportedly put off clubs from attempting to strike a deal, with some considering the 28-year-old to be overvalued.

This highlights a wider problem in football, where clubs often impose unrealistic prices on players, making it difficult for them to secure new opportunities.

Despite his desire to grow and experience new challenges at a higher level, Nwabali now faces the prospect of remaining at Chippa United for at least one more season.

“Like everyone in my position, I would like to grow further. I am talking about bigger clubs than this one because I have been giving everything for my club this season. I wish to have another challenge somewhere else,” Nwabali had said after the Chili Boys’ final match of the season, according to Daily Post.

The post Why clubs don’t want Nwabali – Chippa United Coach appeared first on Latest Nigeria Sports News.