Some top clubs in Europe and Asia have been put on alert as Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is reportedly getting set to make a decision on his future as he will be a free agent at the end of this season.

Nwabali who led Nigeria to the finals of the 2023 Afcon before losing to host Cote d’Ivoire, has been a subject of transfer speculations in his last year at the South African club.

Shortly after the Afcon, there were rumours that the former Katsina United safe hands who joined Chippa United in 2022 was on the verge of teaming up with a club in Saudi Arabia in a deal that was reported to be worth millions of dollars but the speculations died down as there was no concrete for him.

However, after some excellent showings at club level since the continental championship, the 27-year-old shot-stopper’s value has continued to rise and with his contract running out at the end of the current season, some big clubs in Europe and Asia have indicated interest in signing him.

According to reports from South Africa’s Soccer Laduma, Nwabali will not sign an extension with Chippa United at the end of the season, potentially making him available on a free transfer.

“This would be particularly appealing to clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Queens Park Rangers, Union SG, and Al Ettifaq, who have all been credited with a move for the Nigerian,” the sports journal said.

“While a move to Saudi Arabia might present better financial incentives, Nwabali is reportedly keen on testing his talents in Europe and a move to Union SG or QPR could end up being the best option for him.”

Ethiopia’s long distance runner, Sisay Lemma, and Kenyan female marathon sensation, Hellen Obiri, teamed up to give Africa a double podium standing at the 128th Boston Marathon which ended on Tuesday.

The Africans completely dominated the race with Lemma emerging victorious in the men’s race while Obiri nicked it in the women’s version which also had a plethora of African stars who also stood out in the races.

In the men’s race, the 33-year-old Lemma finished in a time of 2:06:17 which was a sort of redemption for him after missing out on two previous editions of the Marathon due to injury.

His compatriot, Mohamed Esa, finished second while Kenyan Evans Chebet finished third, with only one non-African, American CJ Albertson who finished in 7th place, making the top 10.

Speaking after the race, Lemma said:

“Previously, I hadn’t finished this race, so I wanted to redeem myself, which is why I came. Fortunately, I was able to redeem myself, so I’m happy.

“My plan was to beat the course record, but the hills at the end really tired me out.

“The reason I ran in Boston is that the course is similar to the Olympic one, so I hope it will be good preparation for the Paris Games.”

In the women’s race, it was a Kenyan affair as Obiri came out on top in a time of 2:22:37 to retain her title in the American city.

She was followed by two of her compatriots, Sharon Lokedi, 2:22:45 and Edna Kiplagat, 2:23:21.

Men top five results:

1- Sisay Lemma (ETH) 2:06:17

2- Mohamed Esa (ETH) 2:06:58

3- Evans Chebet (KEN) 2:07:22

4- John Korir (KEN) 2:07:40

5- Albert Korir (KEN ) 2:07:47

Women top five results:

1- Hellen Obiri (KEN) 2:22:37

2- Sharon Lokedi (KEN) 2:22:45

3- Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:23:21

4- Buze Diriba (ETH) 2:24:04

5- Senbere Teferi (ETH ) 2:24:04