Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has bid farewell to South African club Chippa United after the Port Elizabeth-based side granted his request to leave.
The 28-year-old, who joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022, submitted a formal departure request, which the club confirmed in a statement shared on its official X account on Thursday.
Chippa United said it had carefully considered his request and agreed to grant his release.
Taking to social media, Nwabali penned an emotional farewell to his teammates, coaches, fans, and the club chairman. He wrote, “It was more than a family. To my lovely teammates, dear coaches, amazing fans and best chairman in the world… I want to say thank you.”
Reflecting on his time at the club, the goalkeeper added, “The memories we’ve shared, the hard-fought victories, the setbacks we turned into lessons, the laughs and the tears are moments I will carry with me forever. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and a lifetime of cherished memories.”
He also paid tribute to Chippa United’s chairman, calling him a father figure and thanking him for the opportunity to be part of the club’s journey. “To the club chairman, thank you for being such a father figure to me. Thank you for the honour of letting me be part of this story. I wish you all success and happiness in the seasons ahead.”
Nwabali’s departure marks the end of a two-year stint with the South African side, during which he established himself as a key figure in the team.
Fans and teammates will remember not just his saves, but the passion, leadership, and team spirit he brought to every match.
The Rivers-born goalkeeper became a household name during the 2023 AFCON, where he kept four consecutive clean sheets and saved two penalties in the semi-final against South Africa.
He continued to impress during the recently concluded 2025 AFCON, further cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s top shot-stoppers.