The Africa Cup of Nations has thrilled many football spectators and raised the profile of quite a few players announcing themselves to the rest of the world's scouts.
That is also the case for Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali who has been the Super Eagles' trusted man between the sticks on their way to the semi-finals of Afcon.
READ: How Sundowns’ AFCON Stars Will Miss PSL Return
His performances have caught the attention of many clubs locally and abroad. Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs were the front-runners for his services in South Africa, as reported by Soccer Laduma recently.
Though, with Nwabali continuing to impress in the Ivory Coast, it may be that other clubs abroad will now be competing with Chiefs for his signature and it could be difficult for Amakhosi to compete with foreign clubs in Europe or Asia.
Nwabali has now responded to the transfer news, speaking exclusively to Kickoff.
“I’m not a manager and you are also not a manager, so no,” Nwabali said to Kickoff, whilst with the Super Eagles team when quizzed about a move to the Glamour Boys.
“I don’t love any (other) club, I only know about Chippa United, I don’t want to focus on club matters right now,” continued the brave shot-stopper who prefers to focus on Nigeria right now.
Just like Ronwen Williams of Bafana Bafana, he has four clean sheets in the tournament and last conceded in their opening fixture, to Equatorial Guinea.
Chiefs didn’t sign any players during the recent transfer window, with interim coach Cavin Johnson happy to assess his squad and see what the youngsters could even offer going forward.
Before the league went into recess because of Afcon, Amakhosi had Bruce Bvuma keeping goal ahead of experienced duo Itumeleng Khune and Brandon Petersen. Bvuma has particularly impressed and is likely to hold onto his position.
With a move touted for Nwabali at the end of the season, Soccer Laduma provides five factors why a transfer to Chiefs could be beneficial for the Nigerian even though it is understandable that if he is approached to play at a top European league then it would be difficult for the Super Eagle to turn such an opportunity down.
1. Big Transfer
Moving to a club with the stature of Chiefs will raise Nwabali's profile when taken from the perspective that he's currently at Chippa United. If Bafana Bafana legend Khune remains at the club in any capacity, Nwabali would rub shoulders with one of the most celebrated stoppers on the continent.
2. Rainer Dinkelacker Effect
The current Chiefs goalkeeper coach has been hailed for how the club’s had a solid structure in this department over the years where Amakhosi have often had top quality keepers. Having Dinkelacker to work with on a daily basis will be hugely beneficial to Nwabali's development from Chippa to Chiefs.
3. Boost To Remain Nigeria’s No.1
Keeping the number one jersey for the long term at the Super Eagles won’t be an easy feat even after Nwabali's Afcon performances. Moving to a club as prestigious as Chiefs with the possibility of regular game-time will certainly help in this regard. Of course Mamelodi Sundowns are dominating the PSL and Africa at the moment, but with Williams nailing down the no.1 jersey at the Brazilians, it would make sense for Nwabali to fit into a club that needs him as much as Chiefs do.
4. Professional Set-up
The Soweto giants have superb off field facilities, such that even Pitso Mosimane has hailed it as the best on the continent. The professional set-up has been compared to a European outfit and players like Nwabali need this kind of environment to inspire their game toward a higher level.
5. Stabilise Chiefs' Defence
Amakhosi's defence over the past seasons has come under heavy criticism with the chopping and changing therein. Pundits are happier with their current defensive options but a consistent number one goalkeeper like Nwabali is still required and that could be key to turn Chiefs' backline into a stronger wall on their fortress.
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