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REVEALED! Emotional Reasons Why Nwabali Returned To Chippa United After Five-Month Break
Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has finally opened up on his return to Chippa United, five months after walking away from the South African club, while his agent has revealed the deeply personal reasons behind the surprising decision.
The Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper rejoined the Chilli Boys after mutually terminating his contract in February, bringing an end to months of speculation over why he stepped away despite recently signing a long-term extension.
Speaking after his return, Nwabali admitted leaving Chippa United was one of the toughest decisions of his career but insisted it was necessary for his personal well-being.
“It was a difficult decision, but football is about happiness. Your happiness comes first. The club understood my situation, and we both agreed it was the best step for me,” the 29-year-old said in an earlier interview.
While the goalkeeper chose not to disclose the real reason behind his departure at the time, his representative, Mohammed Lawal, has now revealed that Nwabali was battling immense emotional trauma following the loss of three close family members within a short period.
According to Lawal, the deaths of Nwabali’s grandmother, father and mother left the goalkeeper mentally exhausted and forced him to take a break from football before the situation affected both his career and personal life.
“We told him to step away before making a permanent decision that could damage his career. He wasn’t in the right frame of mind and needed time to grieve,” Lawal told ESPN.
The agent stressed that Nwabali’s exit had nothing to do with disagreements at Chippa United or interest from other clubs.
“There were offers from Saudi Arabia, England and elsewhere in Africa, but Stanley simply wasn’t ready to return to football. He needed time to heal emotionally,” he explained.
Lawal added that the goalkeeper deliberately kept his struggles private, insisting that he was under no obligation to publicly discuss his mental health while dealing with personal tragedy.
He also disclosed that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle maintained regular contact with Nwabali throughout his break, while the goalkeeper sought professional support before deciding he was ready to resume his career.
The strong relationship between Nwabali and Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa”
Mpengesi ultimately paved the way for his return.
“Chippa United understood everything he was going through.
They know him not only as a goalkeeper but as a person. That’s why returning there was the best environment for him to rebuild his career,” Lawal said.
Nwabali shot to global prominence after helping Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and will now be aiming to rediscover his best form as he begins a fresh chapter with Chippa United ahead of the new season.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.
The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.
One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.
The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.
For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.
Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.
The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.
Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.
For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.
Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.
Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.
Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.
Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.
However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.
The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.
Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.
The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.
Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.
For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.
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