Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s proposed move to South African giants Kaizer Chiefs appears to have collapsed after the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, Brandon Petersen, made a faster-than-expected recovery from surgery, removing the urgency that had driven their interest in the Nigerian stopper.

Nwabali has been without a club since mutually terminating his contract with Chippa United in February, and his departure from the Chilli Boyz had raised widespread expectations that he already had a firm offer on the table and would secure a new home shortly after. Nearly two months on, however, the 29-year-old remains without a club.

Two weeks ago, reports emerged that Kaizer Chiefs were eyeing Nwabali as a replacement for Petersen, who had been sidelined following surgery for a health issue. It was widely believed that the South African shot-stopper would be out for several months, creating an urgent need for the Amakhosi to sign another top-tier goalkeeper before the end of the season.

However, according to Pan-African Football, Petersen is now set to return to training sooner than anticipated, significantly reducing Kaizer Chiefs’ need to bring in a replacement. The veteran South African keeper is described as a vital figure and leader within the squad at Naturena, and his imminent return has effectively closed the door on a move for Nwabali for now.

Further complicating matters, although Petersen’s current contract expires in the summer, the club is reportedly looking to extend his deal rather than replace him, leaving Nwabali’s prospects of joining the Amakhosi looking increasingly remote.

The development is a significant blow for the 27-year-old, who had been widely tipped as one of the most likely beneficiaries of Petersen’s absence.

Nwabali rose to prominence during Nigeria’s run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where his performances between the posts cemented his status as one of the continent’s finest shot-stoppers.