English Championship side QPR join the ranks of teams looking to sign Nwabali in the summer

ENGLISH Championship side Queens Park Rangers (QPR) have joined the ranks of clubs looking to sign Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Nwabali, 27, who currently plays for Chippa United in the South African league was one of the standout performers at the recent African Cup of Nations. His fine form, which only saw Nigeria conceded four goals on the way to the final, included him saving two spot kicks in a penalty shootout in the semi finals.

Up until the start of the tournament, very little was known about Nwabali but given his rise to prominence, numerous clubs have been on his case and now QPR has joined their ranks, looking for a replacement for Asmir Begovic, whose contract is nearing its end. Bosnian international Begovic, has had a mixed season for QPR and at 36, it is highly unlikely he will be offered a new deal.

Marti Cifuentes, the QPR  boss is thus on the lookout for a new number one ahead of next season and is said to be ready to rival Saudi side Al Ettifaq for the services of Nwabali. Although Nwabali is untested in Europe, his international experience suggests his signing would be a coup for QPR.

QPR fan pundit Louis, wrote: “I was a bit surprised when I saw the tweet from Fabrizio Romano linking us with the Nigerian goalkeeper. Obviously, we’re going to be looking for a goalkeeper ahead of next season, with Asmir Begovic’s contract running out and from what we know, it’s only us and clubs in Saudi that have enquired about Nwabali.

 “I don’t know too much about him but he had a good African Cup of Nations with Nigeria. He plays out in South Africa, which is probably not the best level of football but then again, keepers can adapt to different leagues and ways of playing.

“It would certainly be exciting and one that I’d welcome, so if it was to happen it would be an interesting move. Although he plays in the South African league, to be Nigeria’s number one he has obviously got something about him.

“He’s also a decent age, arguably quite young for a keeper, so he has plenty of years ahead of him. It could be an exciting one and hopefully the rumours are true and something more will develop from it.

“He won’t be the only goalkeeper we’re looking at, there will be other names, but I’d be pleased by that potential signing.” Any deal for Nwabali, however, will be dependent on QPR remaining in the Championship, although the side has shown some promising form in recent weeks as they battle to stay up.