Watch: Did Stanley Nwabali allow Shabalala’s goal stand in bid to join Kaizer Chiefs?

Super Eagles attacker Stanley Nwabali has found himself at the center of controversy following Chippa United's 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.

As revealed by Goal.com, recent reports have sparked speculation within the South African football community regarding a contentious moment involving Nwabali and Mduduzi Shabalala's decisive goal.

Shabalala picked up the ball on the left side of the pitch, weaving through three Chippa United defenders before firing a shot past Nwabali to score the game’s only goal.

Watch the goal here:

The individual brilliance from Shabalala

Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc @Betway_za pic.twitter.com/zyb9B8SoqM

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) December 29, 2024

The incident has led to suggestions that the Nigerian international may have intentionally allowed the goal to stand in order to facilitate a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs.

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Many observers believe the goal should have been an easy save for Nwabali, further fueling speculation about his possible involvement in the play. Some claim that his decision to let the goal in might have been influenced by his desire for a transfer to the highly coveted Kaizer Chiefs.

Earlier reports have linked Nwabali with a move away from Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, with the Nigerian goalkeeper said to be on the list of potential targets for coach Nasreddine Nabi’s squad.

While Nwabali or his representatives have made no official statements, whispers of a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs have been circulating for some time.

However, this incident could simply be viewed as an error, similar to mistakes made by even the most accomplished goalkeepers, and should not be linked to his potential transfer to Kaizer Chiefs.