Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has rejoined South African Premier Soccer League club Chippa United, just days after he was first spotted training with the squad.

Nwabali returns to the Eastern Cape outfit as they begin preparations for the 2026/27 season under head coach Brandon Truter. Confirming the move in an official statement, the club said it was delighted to welcome the goalkeeper back to the Chilli Boys following time away.

His return comes as something of a surprise given how the year began. Nwabali’s departure from Chippa earlier in 2026 raised eyebrows at the time, arriving on the back of a standout showing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where his penalty shootout heroics against Egypt helped Nigeria secure a bronze medal.

Despite that form, Nwabali was unable to land a new club after leaving Chippa and spent months out of action, a spell that cost him involvement in the 2026 Unity Cup and Nigeria’s double header friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

In his absence, goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi took over as Chippa’s first choice, delivering a strong run of form that helped the club avoid relegation, including five clean sheets and the captain’s armband, form that had even put him in the conversation for a Bafana Bafana call-up. According to iDiski Times, Nwabali’s return has also led Chippa to step back from two other potential signings, goalkeeper Brian Bwire and defender Bongani Sam.