Nigeria, Feb. 17 -- When clubs announce that a player has requested to leave, especially in the thick of a transfer window, it rarely causes a stir. Football is a business; contracts are signed and terminated as needed.

But the sudden parting of ways between Stanley Nwabali and Chippa United has refused to settle quietly.

On 5 February, the Eastern Cape-based club confirmed in a terse statement that the Nigerian international had formally submitted a request to depart and that the club had approved his release after "careful consideration." The tone was cordial. The club thanked him for his "service, commitment and professionalism" and wished him well.

Nwabali responded in equally glowing terms, describing Chippa as "more than a family...