Former Nigerian and Moroka Swallows goalkeeper Peterside Idah says he would have no problem seeing Stanley Nwabali join Kaizer Chiefs, but believes the Super Eagles shot-stopper is good enough to secure a move to Europe.

Nwabali is expected to decide on his future this summer after spending the last few months without a club.

The 29-year-old has never played outside Africa, having started his career in the Nigeria Premier Football League before moving to South Africa.

In the past, he was linked with English side Crystal Palace and a host of Saudi Arabian clubs, but those speculations have since cooled without any major breakthrough.

Preference for Spain or Holland

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Idah admitted he would prefer Nwabali to move to Europe, while acknowledging the difficulty African goalkeepers often face in securing lucrative deals abroad.

"It's never easy for goalkeepers outside Africa," he told SportsBoom.co.za.

"But he's a big boy, and again, he has played two AFCONs; he has proved himself that he can play outside the country."

"Even if it is starting in a lower league, Division 2, then La Liga. Spain is always good because they are not as fast or quick as the English league, so you can always start somewhere. For me, Spain or Holland, these are two good places for goalkeepers, and our Nigerian goalkeepers have proved that those places are good enough."

Kaizer Chiefs interest grows

While a transfer to Europe in the summer appears unlikely, Idah confirmed he is aware of Kaizer Chiefs' interest in Nwabali, who has been unattached since leaving Chippa United in January after making 66 league appearances for the club.

Interest from the Glamour Boys intensified following Nwabali's impressive performances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire, where he helped the Super Eagles reach the final, although a deal failed to materialise.

Simba SC of Tanzania and Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca are also reportedly in the race for his signature.

"I'm aware of the Kaizer Chiefs interest, so if he signs a contract with Kaizer Chiefs, which I'm hearing he might, it's unbelievable," Idah added.

"And you know, sometimes when we say these South African teams, you'll be shocked at how much Nwabali will earn. You will be absolutely shocked at what South African clubs pay."

There have been talks about the player's salary demands, and it is believed that was one of the reasons he quit Chippa United. Idah, however, suggested he is confident Kaizer Chiefs can meet Nwabali's expectations.

"Kaizer Chiefs is one of the 'Big Three' teams in South Africa: Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns. Any of these can comfortably look after you. It's not just about playing football, my brother; it's about your future and being comfortable."

"Let me give this in a nutshell: a South Africa club can comfortably pay you $50,000 a month without sweating. So if he goes to Kaizer Chiefs, trust me, he will earn $100,000."

"You don't just want to go and play in Greece where they pay you $6,000 or $7,000 USD and there is team in South Africa that can pay you $50,000. You just go to South Africa and play! The issue is that you are constantly playing as a goalkeeper."

Super Eagles competition intensifies

Nwabali will be aiming to sign for a club quickly this summer and return to action, as his place in the Nigeria squad is now under increased threat following the approval of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to represent the Super Eagles.

The goalkeeper has not played a minute of football since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended in January due to uncertainty surrounding his club future.

He was left out of Eric Chelle's squad for the friendlies against Iran and Jordan because of his lack of game time.

In his absence, Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was trusted as the number one, while Okonkwo's arrival has further intensified competition for the starting role.

Idah welcomes goalkeeper battle

"The competition is good, competition is good," Idah said.

"I remember the first game I played for Nigeria, 'Jay-Jay' [Okocha] whispered in my ear: 'Grab the opportunity. Grab the opportunity.' Again, that's what happens with goalkeeping. You see one goalkeeper do well, just like when Stanley came; we were all impressed with him."

"When another goalkeeper comes and we are impressed, he's gone or he will go to number two. But obviously now, he's undisputed. He's the undisputed number one. I think he's (Nwabali) one of the best goalkeepers in Africa, and that's an advantage."

"But he has to play; he has to play games. I hope his agent helps him to settle down quickly so that at the end of this season, we will see him sign for a club."

Okonkwo must earn his place

Idah concluded that Okonkwo is a strong addition to the squad but must work hard to earn his place.

"Well, I think that would be determined by the coach. For a goalkeeper, sometimes one game is not good enough to determine how good a goalkeeper is. But he has to come to camp, we have to see him play constantly."

"He's not playing in the Premiership where we see the Premiership games all the time. If we'd seen him play constantly in the Premiership, we'd say, Yes, this and this."

"We have three good goalkeepers now in Nigeria really three good goalkeepers. We still have Okoye and Francis Uzoho as well," he concluded. (Source: https://www.sportsboom.co.za/soccer/exclusive-stanley-nwabali-backed-for-kaizer-chiefs-move)

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