Nigeria goalkeeper Stanely Nwabali explains desire to remain at Chippa United

Speaking to SABC Sport during the Nedbank Cup last 16 draw in Johannesburg on Monday night, Nwabali, who enjoyed a stand-out 2023 African Cup of Nations campaign – returning with a silver medal, has attracted interest from around the globe. 

He’s only been back in South Africa for two days, and continues to show his appreciation for Mpengesi’s kind-hearted gestures towards him.

"You see when you play under an understanding chairman, everything comes – confidence comes... Imagine you're playing under a chairman who wants all his players to be comfortable, you must work for this man, even when you're in or out [of the team]," said the shot-stopper.

"To be honest, I really wish to play one or two more years with him – I really wish this. If it's his wish [too], fine, but I really wish [to stay] because he's a nice man.

"As I said earlier, he wished me well so I really want to how him this love, maybe once again, but I just wish [for this]. But if it's the end of my time with the club at the end of this season, so be it. If there's something that I'm going to still continue, so be it."

But Nwabali appears to have accepted that something bigger is on the horizon as far as his career is concerned, with speculation rife that he could be joining Belgian side Union St. Gilloise, while reports have suggested interest from France and Saudi Arabia too.

READ: Nwabali: I wanted to bring AFCON trophy for Chippa Mpengesi