Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stepped away from football earlier this year after the devastating loss of both his parents and his grandmother within a short period, with the emotional toll forcing him to prioritize his mental health before making a surprise return to South African side Chippa United
According to ESPN, the 29-year-old rejoined Chippa United five months after leaving the club by mutual consent in February, ending months of speculation over the reasons behind his unexpected departure.
The goalkeeper only hinted during an interview with South Africa’s Metro FM that he needed to do what was best for his wellbeing.
“It is best you are being comfortable and enjoying the moment,” he said to Metro FM. “It was a strong decision, not a really nice decision and I felt it is best for me.
“Football is something that deals with happiness, your happiness comes first. I am happy with the club, but it is something that both parties understand.”
ESPN reported that Nwabali’s representative, Mohammed Lawal, revealed the goalkeeper’s departure was not simply an exit from Chippa United but a complete break from football to cope with grief and protect his mental health.
Nwabali lost his grandmother shortly before Nigeria’s 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic. Nigerianbusiness insights
His father, Chief Godspower Nwabali, d!ed hours after the goalkeeper featured in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw in that match, while his mother, Grace Nwabali, passed away on January 1, 2025.
Lawal told ESPN the triple tragedy left the Super Eagles goalkeeper emotionally overwhelmed
“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. Like everyone else, they go through life’s challenges.”
He added, “After losing his parents, he became responsible for everything. There was a lot he needed to take care of. “As a professional, he knew he had to keep playing, but it was affecting him and if he continued, he was going to destroy himself because when you’re not in the right mental state, it shows.
“You could see it during some of his games for the national team. People probably thought he was fighting with his teammates.”
According to Lawal, the emotional strain was reflected in Nwabali’s behaviour on the pitch during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers and AFCON campaign, where some observers interpreted his aggression as frustration.
“If you look back, you’ll see the difference. Stanley used to be lively and always smiling. During the last AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers, he became unusually aggressive. He was shouting at teammates and confronting opponents. But that wasn’t the real Stanley.
“When he first started playing for Nigeria, everyone talked about how calm he was under pressure. Later, people thought he had become overconfident or aggressive. They didn’t know what was happening inside him.”
Lawal also disclosed that those close to Nwabali advised him to take a break before his career suffered further.
“We told him, ‘This isn’t you. Take time away before you do permanent damage to your career’.”
Although speculation surrounded his exit, Lawal insisted the goalkeeper chose to keep his struggles private.
“You ask why he and the club didn’t publicly say he was taking time off for his mental health. But it wasn’t something they planned together. Stanley simply realized he needed to step away and he asked to be released,” he said.
He added, “After losing his parents, he became responsible for everything. There was a lot he needed to take care of. “As a professional, he knew he had to keep playing, but it was affecting him and if he continued, he was going to destroy himself because when you’re not in the right mental state, it shows.
“You could see it during some of his games for the national team. People probably thought he was fighting with his teammates.”
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