Simba SC frontrunners to sign Nigerian keeper Nwabali?

Fresh from stopping penalties for Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali cannot be short of suitors.

The first-choice keeper for Nigeria parted ways with South African side Chippa United on Thursday. He left three weeks after his penalty-saving heroics steered the Super Eagles to the AFCON bronze finish.

Nwabali saved the penalties for Liverpool FC star Salah and his Manchester City national team strike partner Marmoush. The Pharaohs defeated 4-2.

🧤 Djibrilla Kassali 🇳🇪 #NguvuMoja pic.twitter.com/c7ktiPZEQX

— Simba SC Tanzania English (@SimbaSC_EN) January 21, 2026

The 29-year-old was in the last six months of his contract with Chippa United; hence, his mutual separation.

According to FIFA player transfer regulations, the AFCON bronze-medal winner is free to engage in employment talks with other interested teams. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that several clubs, especially Simba SC of Tanzania, have emerged as his next possible employers.

Are Simba favourites to sign Nwabali?

Reports in Tanzania media circles say Steve Barker’s team is desperate for a top-notch custodian to provide cover for injured Moussa Camara. Simba recently made a desperate signing of another keeper Mahamadou Kassila from Niger’s AS FAN.

However, management for the Tanzanian side feel Nwabali is the perfect fit for the number one jersey considering the CAF Confederation Cup assignments at hand. Reports suggest that transfer talks between the Nigerian and Chippa United are at an advanced stage.

On another hand, one cannot rule out Nwabali deciding to stay in the Betway Premiership in South Africa. Clubs such Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs would surely fancy signing such a quality keeper.

Second-choice Denis Onyango has been manning the sticks for Miguel Cardoso’s side in the absence of injured Ronwen Williams.

However, the Ugandan has done little to suggest he is still at his peak. Onyango has conceded four goals in the back-to-back CAF Champions League group-stage games against Al-Hilal Omdurman.

For Nwabali, North Africa could be another possible destination. Thanks to his AFCON showing.