Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is surprised by Stanley Nwabali’s decision to leave Chippa United after the winter transfer window, SportPremi reports.
Nwabali who is Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, signed a three-year extension until 2027, but parted ways with the South African club last week.
The decision came as a shock to many Nigerians given the timing, with the transfer window already closed and no information on what his next move might be like.
The 29-year-old has attracted interest from bigger clubs in the South African league, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League have also expressed their desire to acquire his services.
Neither the club nor the Nigerian shot-stopper have released a clue on his next move, although an announcement is expected very soon.
Nwabali made over 70 appearances across all competitions for Chippa United since he first moved to the club in 2022 from Katsina United.
The goalkeeper was very influential in Nigeria’s bronze medal win at the 2025 AFCON tournament that concluded last month, saving two penalties in the third-placed playoff shootout to help the Super Eagles to victory.
Akpeyi questions Nwabali’s decision to leave Chippa United
Former goalkeeper Akpeyi who also played with Chippa United between 2015 and 2019, was surprised at the decision of Nwabali to end his stay at the club, given the transfer window had closed.
“It’s just that the timing of Nwabali leaving Chippa is something I’m not sure about”, Akpeyi said in an interview.
“Was that a decision from him or from his agent, because the window is closed? You can’t really sign for any team for now, except maybe they had this done before the window closed.
“Or they’re only putting it into the media space now. Otherwise, there’s going to be a FIFA break soon, the national team is going to be engaged, and as number one of the Nigerian national team, he’s obviously going to be needed to participate.
You want to be game-ready, game-fit, for you to be able to participate in those games. But so far, things have been working well for him, so that might not be the case,” Akpeyi added.
“He certainly remains in the frame for national team selection, regardless of his current playing status.
“I truly believe things will fall into place for him; he is in the prime of his goalkeeping career. At this level, you don’t just sign for any club.
“He deserves a move to a side that is not only bigger and more prestigious but also more financially stable. Given his pedigree, he has earned that”, the former Nigerian goalkeeper concluded.
Nwabali’s next move remains unknown, but the goalkeeper has drawn interests from several suitors and should make an announcement soon.
