Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC have launched an audacious attempt to prize away Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 hero, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, from South Africa’s Chippa United.
The Msimbazi Street club have opened direct talks with the shot stopper’s representatives in a bid to solve their own goalkeeping crisis, seeing the Super Eagles star as the ideal long term solution between the sticks.
Nwabali in demand after AFCON heroics
Nwabali’s stock has never been higher after a stellar tournament in Morocco. The 29 year old was a cornerstone of Nigeria’s run to third place, keeping four clean sheets in seven games and pulling off a string of crucial saves that cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable keepers.
His composure and commanding presence caught the eye of scouts across the continent and beyond, turning him from a solid Betway Premiership performer into one of the transfer window’s most sought after African talents.
Simba’s goalkeeping gamble
Simba’s push comes amid a real headache in their own goalkeeping department. First choice keeper Moussa Camara is sidelined long term with a knee injury, and the club’s controversial decision to deregister him to make way for new signing Mahamadou Tanja Kassila has caused major unrest behind the scenes.
Club insiders say this has forced the Tanzanian champions to look for a more stable, high profile solution and Nwabali fits the bill perfectly. With his Chippa United contract entering its final six months, he is free to sign a pre contract agreement with any foreign club, making a cut price deal or even a free transfer this summer a real possibility.
No formal bid yet, but race is on
Despite the talks, sources confirm Simba are yet to table a formal offer to Chippa United. The South African club are known to be willing to listen to offers rather than risk losing him for nothing in June, but they will still demand a respectable fee for their prized asset.
Simba face serious competition, though. Nwabali has already been linked with Moroccan giants Raja CA, South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, and even Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship. Each offers a different lure be it prestige, financial muscle, or a pathway to European football.
What it means
For Simba, landing Nwabali would be a major coup and a statement of intent as they look to reassert dominance in Tanzania and make a deeper impact in the CAF Champions League. For Nwabali, the move would offer a fresh challenge, likely a hefty wage bump, and the chance to become the undisputed star at a club with massive regional support.
But with so many suitors circling, this transfer saga is only just beginning. One thing’s for sure: after his AFCON exploits, Stanley Nwabali won’t be playing in Port Elizabeth for much longer.
