Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal game between Algeria and Nigeria at Marrakech Stadium in Morocco on 10 January 2025 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026. 15:02
Stanley Nwabali could finally find himself a new club to call home after reportedly attracting strong interest from Simba and Kaizer Chiefs.
The Nigeria international is still a free agent following his departure from Chippa United on February 1 and was previously linked with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq and Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship.
Nwabali’s performances for the Chilli Boys during the 2023/24 season saw him catch the eye of then-Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, who included the goalkeeper in his squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 29-year-old would go on to keep four clean sheets to help Peseiro’s side reach the AFCON 2023 final, where they were beaten 2-1 by hosts Ivory Coast.
Nwabali has since earned 34 caps for his country and won a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 as the West African giants made it to the semi-finals before losing to hosts Morocco on penalties.
The Reds of Msimbazi can offer the shot-stopper CAF Champions League football and Steve Barker is familiar with him as the former head coach of Stellenbosch, who are Chippa’s rivals in the Betway Premiership.
Amakhosi are one of the most decorated teams in South Africa and should qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season as they’re in the driving seat to finish third in the league.
What makes Nwabali an even more enticing signing is that he will be available on a free transfer and both clubs will be able to offer him competitive wages.