Chippa United head coach, Kwanele Kopo, has revealed the possibility of Stanley Nwabali leaving the club left them in a dilemma, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwabali was arguably the biggest breakout star at the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, showing his goalkeeping theatrics as Nigeria clinched second place in the competition.
His brilliant display saw him get interest from a plethora of clubs with Kaizer Chiefs, Queens Park Rangers and El-ettifaq all included.
However, the Super Eagles number one penned an improved three-year deal with the Chilli boys, and is now their new captain.
Speaking in an interview with Kickoff, Kopo revealed the thought of Chilli United continuing without the former Enyimba man gave everyone at the club literal nightmares.
“The uncertainty around Stanley during the pre-season has been the worst nightmare for us. Stanley had not been himself at the start of pre-season because of all this talk that there is interest in [from] this club and that club. Like any other player, Stanley would like to progress to a higher level, not only in competition but financially as well. So, it was a roller-coaster, that uncertainty We were also very nervous about finding a replacement because it was going to be very difficult for us as we felt we wouldn’t find the same calibre locally to replace Stanley,” the Chippa United coach said.
“We spoke to him, and he is committed, and this is represented by him extending his contract. He is happy to stay at the club and he wants to play. Yes, he still harbours the ambition to progress and, as a club, we also have those hopes for him, but like the chairman [Siviwe Mpengesi] has said, it has to come at the right time with the right terms,” Kwanele Kopo concluded.
Nwabali is currently on International duty with Nigeria, and will be hoping to be in top form when the PSL season kicks off on the 20th of September.
