Nwabali opens up about Chilli Boys return and relationship with Mpengesi

Nwabali, who is now back with the Chilli Boys, has already played two matches in the Betway Premiership this season, and will be looking to add the third game tomorrow, when they face Orlando Pirates at Kings Park Stadium. 

He’s been the Nigerian number one goalkeeper for some time, but a good showing at his club is his top priority right now.

"I feel positive coming back to the club, not just for me but also for the team. The relationship and the agreement is all good. I just want the team to succeed this season."

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Just after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco, Nwabali decided to leave Chippa United in search of greener pastures, but unfortunately the grass wasn’t greener on the other side, and he spent six months on the sidelines. After a good talk with the Chairman of the club Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi, he’s now back with the Eastern Cape side and has reclaimed his rightful place...

"I'm not really worried about that one, I'm only focused on helping my club pick up as many points as possible. So for now I'm not too worried about the National team."

During his self-imposed sabbatical, Nwabali spent some time in Johannesburg, where he was training with former Moroka Swallows and Nigerian international goalkeeper and now Yanga goalkeeper coach Greg Etafia. He says it was important that he continued to keep himself fit in that period...

"Coming back to this club feels like I'm coming back to my family and my home, and I'm really happy to be back on the pitch, doing what I love."

Nwabali also has strong competition at Chippa, as he’s up against former South African junior international goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi for a starting spot. 

The 31-year-old had a good season with the Eastern Cape-based side, keeping eight clean sheets in 19 matches in all competitions, and this is the healthy competition that Nwabali is looking forward to.