Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali reportedly came close to walking away from football after the devastating loss of both his parents within just a few weeks.
The revelation was made by his representative, Mohammed Lawal, months after the goalkeeper’s unexpected departure from South African Premiership club Chippa United.
Nwabali lost his father, Chief Godspower Nwabali, in November 2024. Just six weeks later, his mother, Grace, also passed away, following the earlier loss of his grandmother.
Despite the heartbreaking tragedies, the goalkeeper continued to represent Nigeria, featuring for the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco before mutually parting ways with Chippa United in February.
Speaking with ESPN, Lawal explained that the emotional burden deeply affected the goalkeeper’s mental state and performances.
“It has been very difficult for Stanley. People don’t always know what is going on with these players. They only see them on the field. They know them as footballers, but they don’t know that they are human beings too,” he said.
Lawal revealed that Nwabali’s grief also changed his behaviour on the pitch, noting that he appeared unusually aggressive during the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
“If you look back, you will see the difference. Stanley used to be lively and always smiling. During the last AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers, he became unusually aggressive. But that was not the real Stanley.”
According to him, those close to the goalkeeper advised him to take a break from football before the emotional strain affected his career permanently.
“We told him, ‘This is not you. Take time away before you do permanent damage to your career.’ It was not something he and the club planned together. Stanley simply realised he needed to step away, and he asked to be released.”
Lawal also dismissed claims that Nwabali stepped away because he lacked transfer opportunities, revealing that the goalkeeper turned down offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, England, and other African countries while focusing on his recovery.
“There was serious interest from Saudi Arabia, Africa and even England, but once we explained the situation, they understood. Stanley decided to stay out of the game for a few months and get himself in order.”
He added that Nwabali maintained a strong relationship with Chippa United throughout the period, with the club’s management fully understanding his situation.
The revelation comes just days after Chippa United officially confirmed the 30-year-old’s return, welcoming him back to the Eastern Cape ahead of the 2026/27 season.