Sport

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has parted ways with South African club Chippa United after four years, the club confirmed on Thursday.

In a statement, Chippa United said Nwabali requested to leave the club despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2024, adding that it had agreed to grant his release.

It partly reads: “Chippa United Football Club confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart club. After careful consideration, the club has agreed to grant his release.

“We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club. His contribution to the club will always be appreciated,” the club said.

Reacting to his exit, Nwabali took to Instagram on Thursday, sharing a video alongside an emotional farewell message in which he thanked his teammates, coaches, fans and the club’s leadership.

He wrote: “It was more than a family❤️. To my lovely teammates, dear coaches, amazing fans and best chairman in the world. As I stand here to say farewell, but more than a goodbye, I want to say thank you. The memories we’ve shared, the hard fought victories, the setbacks we turned into lessons, the laughs and the tears are moments I will carry with me forever.”

“I leave with a heart full of gratitude and a lifetime of cherished memories. This isn’t just a farewell, it’s an appreciation for every moment you’ve given me. The lessons I’ve learned here will stay with me forever, and even though I may not wear the shirt anymore, a part of me will always remain with this club.

“To the club chairman, thank you for being such a father figure to me ❤️. Thank you for the honor of letting me be part of this story. I wish you all success and happiness in the seasons ahead.

“Thank you — and farewell. Until we meet again”

The 29-year-old joined Chippa United from Katsina United in the NPFL in 2022 and made about 70 appearances for the club.

Vanguard/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

By Maxwell Oyekunle

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Pharaohs of Egypt 4–2 on penalties to win bronze at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON in Casablanca after a goalless, VAR-marred playoff.

Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, rotated his squad, leaving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench, while Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu led the line.

Nigeria twice thought they had scored: Adams’ 36th-minute header was ruled out after VAR showed Onuachu fouled in the build-up, while Lookman later saw his strike chalked off for offside.

With chances limited and defences on top, the game went to penalties.

Super Eagles’ Stanley Nwabali then took centre stage, saving efforts from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush before Lookman fired the winning kick.

The victory secured Nigeria’s ninth AFCON third-place finish and maintained their perfect record in bronze-medal playoffs.

The final of the 2025 AFCON will be decided on Sunday as the Teranga Lions of Senagal take on hosts, Atlas Lions of Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat by 8:00pm.

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