Moroccan football powerhouse Raja Casablanca are reportedly targeting Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as part of their squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 season.

According to South African sports outlet Unplayable, the three-time CAF Champions League winners are closely monitoring Nwabali, who currently plies his trade with Chippa United in the South African Premier Division.

The 29-year-old has seen his stock rise significantly in recent months, particularly after his standout performances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nwabali played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive run to the AFCON final, winning plaudits for his composure, shot-stopping skills, and leadership between the sticks.

His performance against South Africa in the semi-final — where he saved two penalties during the shootout — earned him continental acclaim and cemented his status as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.

At club level, Nwabali has been equally influential. Last season, he made 26 appearances for Chippa United and currently serves as the team captain. His leadership and consistency have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the club’s recent campaigns. However, sources suggest that Chippa United are willing to consider a transfer if a credible offer is tabled. Nwabali is currently valued at €650,000 on Transfermarkt, though his market worth may climb given his international pedigree.

Raja Casablanca, who endured a disappointing and trophyless 2024/25 season in the Botola Pro League, are seeking to bolster their squad as they aim to reassert their dominance in Moroccan and African football.

The club is reportedly prioritizing experienced and battle-tested players, with Nwabali fitting that profile.

Founded in 1949, Raja is one of Morocco’s most storied football institutions. In addition to their three CAF Champions League titles (1989, 1997, 1999), the Casablanca-based club boasts multiple domestic titles and a strong continental reputation.

The potential signing of Nwabali is seen as part of a broader plan to restore the club’s competitiveness ahead of next season’s league and continental campaigns.

If the move materializes, it will represent a major step forward in Nwabali’s career, giving him exposure in one of Africa’s top leagues and the opportunity to compete in elite continental tournaments such as the CAF Champions League.

Neither Chippa United nor Raja Casablanca has officially confirmed the transfer discussions, but insiders suggest talks could intensify in the coming weeks as the Moroccan giants push to finalise key additions before the new season kicks off.

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A source close to Wydad Casablanca told Reuters on Wednesday that the Moroccan club is not in talks to sign Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr.

Spanish outlet Marca reported that Wydad were hoping to sign five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo to lead their attack at the Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States and starts next month.

“It was just a friendly talk between Wydad’s president and an agent close to Ronaldo, without going beyond informal discussions,” a source told Reuters.

Ronaldo, 40, is the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 24 goals this season.

Wydad, the last African Champions in 2022, will face Manchester City on June 18 before taking on Juventus and Al-Ain in Group G of the Club World Cup.

-Reuters

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There are strong indications that Super Eagles and AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, could exit the Guiseppe Meazza this summer following interest from Turkish Super Lïg side, Besiktas JK.

The 25-year-old joined the Rossonerri from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 but has never really settled in at Milan as he’s largely been a bit part player at the San Siro.

The AFCON 2023 silver medal winner with Nigeria has played paltry 82 minutes since the new manager, Sergio Conceicao, took over as Milan’s head coach, worsening his story with the seven-time UEFA Champions League winners.

According to Europa Calcio, Chukwueze’s future seems increasingly distant from Milan. The player’s agents have suggested him to Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side, Besiktas, who have immediately started contacts to bring him to the Turkish Süper Lig.

The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner was linked with a move to Alex Iwobi’s Fulham in January, but time disparity in the transfer market didn’t allow the move to materialize.

Additionally, Milan’s technical director, Geoffrey Moncada, revealed his side were delighted the Super Eagles winger didn’t make a deadline-day transfer to Fulham.

The former Manchester United boss has given the green light to the deal, as he considers Chukwueze to be a valuable reinforcement in the attacking department.

The Turkish club are currently working on a loan-with-obligation-to-buy proposal, and are hopeful their strategy will convince Milan, who intend on recuperating the fees to secure Chukwueze from Villareal two years ago.

Chukwueze on the other hand, is seriously considering a move to Besiktas as he’s aware that he is not part of Milan’s long-term plans. With few opportunities under Sergio Conceicao, the former Villarreal player could accept the Turkish destination to re-establish himself.

Additionally, one of Chukwueze’s best friends, Victor Osimhen, has had nothing but good things to say about the Turkish Super Lig as he enjoys his loan spell with Galatasaray.

In conclusion, a move away from Milan would be a win-win situation for all parties, allowing the Rossoneri to free up space in the squad and for the player to regain the form which saw the Italian side snap him up initially.

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