Johannesburg – Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is mourning the loss of his mother, just two months after the death of his father.
The 28-year-old Nigerian international shared the devastating news on X (formerly Twitter) on New Year's Day, expressing his grief with a simple yet poignant message: “A very, very crazy world indeed,” Nwabali posted. “RIP mom, worst year of my life already.”
The tragic news comes as a further blow to Nwabali, who already endured the immense sorrow of losing his father in November 2024 during the FIFA international break. He managed to play one match for Nigeria against Benin in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier before being granted leave to attend his father's funeral.
Nwabali's impressive performances for Chippa United this season, where he has featured in 12 matches and kept four clean sheets, had previously linked him with a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs. While the transfer failed to materialise before the start of the season, with the Soweto giants opting to sign Rwandan international Fiarce Ntwari instead, his consistent form has kept him in the spotlight.
Ntwari's performances since joining Kaizer Chiefs in August have reportedly been underwhelming, raising speculation that he might be sold in June. This renewed interest in Nwabali, despite the Chiefs' recent acquisition of a goalkeeper, highlights the young Nigerian's talent and potential.
Chippa United released a statement expressing their sympathy and support for Nwabali and his family: “We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Stanley Nwabali and his family following the passing of his beloved mother. We kindly request that everyone respect Stanley’s privacy during this difficult time,” the club stated.
The double tragedy that has struck Nwabali underscores the human side of professional football, reminding us that players are individuals facing personal challenges alongside their professional careers. The football community will undoubtedly offer its support to Nwabali as he navigates this incredibly difficult period. His resilience in the face of such personal loss is a testament to his strength of character.
The timing of his mother's passing, coinciding with New Year's Day celebrations, adds another layer of poignancy to the situation. While many were celebrating the start of a new year, Nwabali was grappling with an unimaginable loss. His social media post reflects the raw emotion and overwhelming grief he must be experiencing.
