Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali left South African club Chippa United earlier this year because he was struggling with grief and mental health challenges following the loss of his grandmother, father and mother within a short period.
Nwabali’s return to Chippa United was announced on Saturday, ending months of speculation about his future after he left the club by mutual consent in February.
At the time of his departure, neither Nwabali nor Chippa United explained the reason. The goalkeeper only said that he made the decision for his happiness and wellbeing.
However, his representative, Mohammed Lawal, has now revealed that Nwabali stepped away not only from Chippa United but from football entirely to focus on his mental health.
According to Lawal, the goalkeeper was overwhelmed after losing three close family members in a matter of months. His grandmother died before Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Benin Republic in November 2024. Shortly after that, his father, Chief Godspower Nwabali, passed away. His mother, Grace Nwabali, died on January 1, 2025.
Lawal said the losses placed a heavy emotional burden on the goalkeeper.
“People see footballers on the pitch, but they are human beings too. Stanley was going through a very difficult period in his life,” he said.
He explained that after the deaths of his parents, Nwabali had to take on more family responsibilities while still trying to maintain his professional career.
Lawal noted that the emotional strain affected Nwabali’s behaviour on the pitch, particularly during matches for the Super Eagles.
He said many people noticed the goalkeeper becoming more aggressive and vocal during games, but few understood what he was dealing with off the field.
“Stanley was usually calm and cheerful. Later, people thought he had become aggressive or overconfident, but they did not know what he was going through,” Lawal said.
The representative revealed that Nwabali had considered quitting football completely and was encouraged by those around him to take time away from the game instead.
Despite the speculation that followed his departure from Chippa United, Lawal insisted that the decision had nothing to do with transfer offers, disagreements with the club or dissatisfaction with the South African league.
He said several clubs from Saudi Arabia, Africa and England showed interest in signing Nwabali during his break, but the goalkeeper turned down all opportunities because he was not ready to return to football.
During his time away, Nwabali worked with a mental health professional and received support from Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who stayed in regular contact with him.
Lawal said the goalkeeper is now mentally stronger and ready to resume his career.
He also praised Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi for understanding Nwabali’s situation and supporting his decision to step away.
Because the separation was amicable, Chippa United welcomed him back when he felt ready to return.
Lawal added that returning to Chippa United was the best option because the club already understands Nwabali both as a player and as a person.
He believes the familiar environment will help the Super Eagles goalkeeper regain his confidence and return to his best form.