Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has rejoined South African Premiership side Chippa United after a five-month absence, ending a deeply personal chapter that briefly threatened his career.

Chippa United confirmed the Super Eagles shot-stopper’s return after his contract was previously terminated by mutual consent. At the time of his departure, both club and player declined to reveal details, with Nwabali only hinting that the decision was about his happiness and peace of mind.

His agent, Mohammed Lawal, has now disclosed that the 28-year-old stepped away from football to cope with a succession of family tragedies rather than pursue a move elsewhere. According to Lawal, Nwabali lost his grandmother, his father Godspower, and his mother Grace within a matter of months, a sequence of bereavements that left him emotionally drained.

The losses coincided with key fixtures for Nigeria, including World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations. Lawal said the goalkeeper tried to carry on professionally but was clearly struggling, even confiding in Super Eagles teammates that he was considering quitting the game altogether.

Those close to him urged him to pause instead of making a permanent decision in the midst of grief. Nwabali requested to be released from his Chippa contract, choosing not to disclose publicly that he was stepping away for mental health reasons. Lawal stressed that the move had nothing to do with dissatisfaction with the club, the league, or offers from abroad.

During his time out, Nwabali received interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, elsewhere in Africa and in England, but turned them down while he focused on healing and seeking professional support. Lawal said the goalkeeper wanted to return only when he felt mentally ready to perform at his best.

The strong relationship between Nwabali and Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi proved decisive in his comeback. The club, fully briefed on his situation, kept communication open and were willing to welcome him back once he felt prepared to play again.

For Nwabali, returning to a familiar environment was crucial. Chippa United, he believes, understands not just the goalkeeper who starred for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but the person behind the gloves, giving him the platform to rebuild his career and confidence after an intensely painful period off the pitch.