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.

Stanley Nwabali’s AFCON Heroics Boost His Market Value

Stanley Nwabali’s reputation soared during the AFCON finals, particularly after his decisive role in Nigeria’s penalty shootout victory over Egypt. The Nigerian goalkeeper produced two crucial saves, denying Salah and Marmoush to seal a 4–2 shootout win against the Pharaohs.

Those moments showcased Nwabali’s calmness under pressure, sharp reflexes, and excellent penalty-reading ability—qualities that clubs across Africa value highly, especially in continental competitions. For a goalkeeper, such performances on a big stage can be career-defining, and Nwabali’s displays were no exception.

Free Agent Status Opens the Door to Multiple Suitors

With his contract situation now resolved, Stanley Nwabali is free to hold discussions with interested clubs under FIFA transfer regulations. As an AFCON bronze medalist and Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, his availability has immediately drawn attention.

Among the clubs strongly linked with Nwabali is Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC, who are reportedly keen to reinforce their goalkeeping department ahead of crucial domestic and continental fixtures.

Are Simba SC Favourites to Sign Stanley Nwabali?

Reports from Tanzanian media suggest Simba SC are actively searching for a top-quality goalkeeper following the injury to their first-choice custodian Moussa Camara. In response, the club recently made an emergency signing, bringing in Mahamadou Kassila from AS FAN.

However, Simba’s management reportedly views Stanley Nwabali as the ideal long-term solution for the number one jersey. With CAF Confederation Cup assignments approaching, the club is keen to secure a goalkeeper with proven continental experience and the ability to perform in high-pressure matches.

Sources indicate that discussions involving Nwabali’s representatives are already at an advanced stage, placing Simba SC among the frontrunners for his signature.

South Africa Still a Strong Option for Stanley Nwabali

Despite interest from East Africa, remaining in South Africa’s Betway Premiership remains a realistic option. Clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are widely believed to be monitoring the situation.

At Sundowns, veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has been deputising in the absence of injured first-choice keeper Ronwen Williams. However, Onyango’s recent performances have raised concerns, particularly after conceding four goals in consecutive CAF Champions League group-stage matches against Al-Hilal Omdurman.

This situation could prompt Sundowns to consider a move for a younger, in-form goalkeeper like Nwabali, whose AFCON performances underline his readiness for a step up.