“It’s up to him” – Shorunmu backs Nwabali’s potential move to three-time Champions League winners

Ike Shorunmu once stood between the sticks for the Super Eagles before Stanley Nwabali took up the baton and is performing excellently in the role…

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has weighed in on Stanley Nwabali’s potential switch to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to the former Super Eagles and Beşiktaş goalkeeper, the final decision ultimately lies with the Chippa United player.

Shorunmu, who earned 36 caps for Nigeria and enjoyed a stellar career in Europe with clubs like FC Zurich and Samsunspor, described Nwabali as a fantastic goalkeeper whose best years are still ahead of him.

“Ultimately, it is up to Stanley to decide what he wants from his life and his football career. He is a fantastic goalkeeper with the quality to succeed anywhere,” Shorunmu said to Footy Africa.

Nwabali, who rose to prominence at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has since become one of the most sought-after African goalkeepers. His vital saves played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s progress to the AFCON final, where they finished as runners-up.

Currently donning the colours of Chippa United in South Africa, the 29-year-old has been a standout performer in the South African Premier League.

It would be recalled that his impressive performance for his club and country had previously piqued the interest of clubs like QPR and Al Ettifaq. Now, Raja Casablanca have emerged as the frontrunners to secure his signature.

According to reports from South African outlet Unplayable, Raja Casablanca are keen to add Nwabali to their roster as they build a squad capable of reclaiming the CAF Champions League title.

The Moroccan giants, who have won the prestigious competition three times, reportedly see Nwabali as a key figure in their continental ambitions.

With a market value of €650,000, per Transfermarkt, Chippa United are said to be open to a deal if the offer is right.

Commenting further, Shorunmu noted that a move to Morocco could serve as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities if Nwabali capitalizes on the new challenge.

“It’s a new environment, different from what he’s used to in South Africa,” he said. “The club clearly believes in him, and it is now up to Stanley to prove himself again.”

Nwabali has yet to publicly comment on the proposed move, but sources suggest that securing a starting role will be a major factor in his decision—especially with competition from Maduka Okoye for the Super Eagles’ number one shirt heating up ahead of the next AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.

Should the move go through, Nwabali would become one of the few Nigerian goalkeepers to play in the Moroccan topflight, further underlining his growing profile in African football.