Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has finally opened up on his return to Chippa United, five months after walking away from the South African club, while his agent has 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, bringing an end to months of speculation over why he stepped away despite recently signing a long-term extension.
Speaking after his return, Nwabali admitted leaving Chippa United was one of the toughest 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 it was the best step for me,” the 29-year-old said in an earlier interview.
While the goalkeeper chose not to disclose the real reason behind 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 within a short period.
According to Lawal, the deaths 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 step away before making a permanent decision that could damage his career. He wasn’t in the right frame of mind and needed time to grieve,” Lawal told ESPN.
The agent stressed that Nwabali’s exit had nothing to do with disagreements at Chippa United or interest from other clubs.
“There were offers from Saudi Arabia, England and elsewhere in Africa, but Stanley simply wasn’t ready to return to football. He needed time to heal emotionally,” he explained.
Lawal added that the goalkeeper deliberately kept his struggles private, insisting that he was under no obligation to publicly discuss his mental health while dealing with personal tragedy.
He also disclosed that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle maintained regular contact with Nwabali throughout 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 chairman Siviwe “Chippa”
Mpengesi ultimately paved the way for his return.
“Chippa United understood everything he was going through.
They know him not only as a goalkeeper but as a person. That’s why returning there was the best environment for him to rebuild his career,” Lawal said.
Nwabali shot to global prominence after helping Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and will now be aiming to rediscover his best form as he begins a fresh chapter with Chippa United ahead of the new season.
