Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali marked his return to competitive football in emphatic fashion, earning the Man of the Match award as Chippa United held Golden Arrows to a goalless draw in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 South African Premier Soccer League season on Saturday.
Making his first competitive appearance in eight months, the 30-year-old produced a commanding display at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, reminding fans and selectors alike of the qualities that established him as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers.
According to FotMob, Nwabali finished the match with a 9.1 rating; the highest of any player on the pitch, after making six crucial saves to secure a valuable clean sheet for the Chilli Boys.
The Nigerian shot-stopper only returned to Chippa United last month after previously leaving the club following Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco, with both parties agreeing to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
His comeback follows a difficult period off the pitch during which he openly spoke about battling mental health challenges after the heartbreaking loss of both parents.
