Stanley Nwabali’s recent performances have come under heavy criticism from former South African international Junior Khanye, who believes the Nigerian goalkeeper is not at the level required for top-flight football, Footynaija.com reports.
Khanye made the remarks following a recent game involving Nwabali’s club, Chippa United, as pressure continues to mount on the Super Eagles shot-stopper.
Nwabali, 28, has grown in popularity since his standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria reach the final and kept four clean sheets. His domestic form has however raised eyebrows, with some South African analysts questioning his consistency. He has made 23 appearances in the 2024–25 South African Premier Division season, conceding 20 goals so far.
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Despite his improved reputation with the Super Eagles, some pundits believe his overall ability is still in question, especially when it comes to club football. Junior Khanye, who now works as a football analyst, did not hold back in his latest remarks during a video session on iDiski TV.
“He does high school mistakes,” Khanye said when reacting to Nwabali’s display.
“He cannot even come out for crosses. His positioning is poor, and his basics are wrong. He is not ready to play for Kaizer Chiefs or any top club.”
“He is tall, but that is not enough. He concedes simple goals. I said this during AFCON. Nigeria’s defence made him look good. He was protected.”
Khanye, 39, played for Kaizer Chiefs and had spells with the South African U-20 and senior national teams. He is known for being a vocal critic of players he believes are not meeting the standard in South African football.
According to a report by Completesports, Khanye’s comments came after Chippa United’s latest league outing. The former winger pointed to that moment as a sign of poor decision-making from the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Nwabali, who has 13 caps for the Super Eagles, is still expected to be Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in the coming FIFA World Cup qualifiers under head coach Eric Chelle. However, debates around his long-term readiness continue to stir reactions, especially within South African media circles.
