AFCON bronze winner Nwabali returns to Chippa United

South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Chippa United have welcomed back one of their stars following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)’s conclusion.

The Betway Premiership team and Nigeria first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has rejoined the Port Elizabeth-based team after bagging AFCON bronze medal. He helped the Super Eagles to the podium finish after overcoming Egypt 4-2 on post-match penalties in a third-place play-off on January 17, 2026.

Nwabali denied Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah from the penalty spot as Nigeria dispatched the Pharaohs.

The tournament ended on January 18 with Senegal overcoming Morocco 1-0 in a tension and drama-laden final.

While most foreign-based players, including Salah and Marmoush, rejoined their Premier League employers Liverpool FC and Manchester City after AFCON, it appears Chippa United gave their custodian some days off.

What Chippa United said about Nwabali

In a brief message announcing the return of the AFCON-bronze winner, the club wrote: “Welcome back to training Stanley Nwabali.”

The Super Eagles number one has returned just in time for the Chippa United’s Betway Premiership match against Durban City on Saturday.

In the absence of the Nigerian, Chippa overcame rookies Orbit College FC 1-0 last Saturday.