Stanley Nwabali’s expected move to Simba SC has fallen through after both sides failed to agree on personal terms.

The development is a setback for the Super Eagles goalkeeper, who has been searching for a new club since February.

The 29-year-old shot-stopper, who left Chippa United after the Africa Cup of Nations in January, had been strongly linked with a move to East Africa. Reports indicated that talks had progressed in recent weeks.

However, negotiations broke down at the final stage, with Simba reportedly unwilling to meet the financial demands of Nwabali’s camp.

“They really wanted to sign him in January, but it did not happen and they have moved on from him,” a source told Kickoff Magazine.

“Simba wanted to sign him because he is a good goalkeeper, obviously, but the demands from his side were too exorbitant. They have moved on and he is no longer going there.”

The collapse will come as a disappointment for Nwabali, who had been close to securing a fresh start after leaving South Africa.

Nwabali remains a free agent after ending his stay with Chippa United in February, but he is far from short of options across Africa and beyond.

In Tanzania, Azam FC are monitoring the situation closely and could step in following Simba’s withdrawal.

Meanwhile, South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates continue to be linked with the Nigerian international as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping departments.

Interest also extends to North Africa, where Raja Casablanca are said to be tracking his situation. Outside the continent, clubs such as Al Ettifaq, Queens Park Rangers, and Union Saint-Gilloise have also been credited with interest following his impressive performances in recent years.

For now, the former Enyimba goalkeeper is staying ready by training individually with former Nigeria international Greg Etafia while awaiting the right offer.

Nwabali’s reputation remains strong. He rose to prominence with Nigeria during the 2023 AFCON, where he kept four consecutive clean sheets and played a key role in the team’s run to the final. His penalty-saving heroics, calm presence, and commanding style helped solve a long-standing goalkeeping issue for the national team.

At club level, he was equally influential at Chippa United, setting records for clean sheets and regularly producing match-winning saves.

Now without a club, Nwabali faces an important decision as his place in the Super Eagles squad could come under threat ahead of the international friendlies against Poland national football team and Portugal national football team in June.