Betway Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly weighing up a potentially shocking move for vastly experienced Nigeria Professional Football League shot-stopper Japhet Opuba ahead of the 2025/2026 season, Footynaija.com understands.
It is no secret that the Soweto giants are prioritizing the reinforcement of their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season after enduring a 2024/2025 campaign that was largely characterized by inconsistencies between the sticks.
All three of Kaizer Chiefs’ current goalkeepers including Fiacre Ntwari, Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Peterson struggled to make the starting shirt theirs last season, contributing to glaring defensive lapses for major parts of the campaign.
Related Post
With head coach Nasreddine Nabi making it clear that stability between the sticks is one of his top priorities, the Glamour boys have now set their sights on Opuba, a 30-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper currently on the books at Lobi Stars.
“Japhet Opubo is a top goalkeeper who has proven himself in Nigeria over the past few seasons and he could be a good addition at a big club like Kaizer Chiefs,” a source close to the player’s camp said as per Soccer Laduma.
“His representatives are assessing options for him, and there is a possibility that he can be offered to Chiefs.”
While Footynaija.com previously reported speculations linking Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with a move to Naturena, it appears Opuba be the one making the switch eventually.
Opuba has steadily built his reputation as a reliable presence between the sticks over spells at five different NPFL clubs including Bayelsa United, Heartland FC, Enugu Rangers, Sunshine Star and Lobi Stars.
Alongside his NPFL experience, Opuba also boasts CAF Champions League experience and could turn out to be a shrewd purchase for the Amakhosi ahead of next season.
