Troost-Ekong Criticizes Nwabali's Club Departure
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has publicly commented on Stanley Nwabali's current predicament, stating that the goalkeeper's decision to leave Chippa United without securing a new club has cost him his place in the national team. Nwabali has been without a club since terminating his contract with the South African side in February after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper confirmed that he had no offer from any other club before making the move. As a result, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle dropped Nwabali from the squad for the June international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, instead inviting Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, and debutant Arthur Okonkwo.
Ekong: Nwabali Should Have Stayed at Chippa
Speaking to a local South African website while on punditry duties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Troost-Ekong expressed his views on Nwabali's situation. "Obviously I can't speak for Stanley, but based on how things have unfolded now, maybe it would've been a better decision to remain with Chippa," Troost-Ekong said via Sowetan. "That's me speaking from the outside because, of course, we don't know what occurred between him and the club. It's a difficult one."
The former captain acknowledged Nwabali's remarkable rise in recent years and emphasized the need for him in the national team setup. He also pointed out that the timing of the contract termination, which occurred outside the transfer window, significantly limited Nwabali's options for finding a new club.
Timing Blamed for Limited Options
Troost-Ekong highlighted the impact of the timing on Nwabali's search for a new club. "I think probably the situation hasn't been favourable for him because I think the time he terminated his contract with the club was outside the transfer window, which made it very difficult for him to find a new club. So, it's been tough," he added.
The former Premier League defender expressed confidence that Nwabali will eventually secure a club and return to playing for the Super Eagles. "I am sure he's going to find a club and return back to playing his club football because we need him for the national team. For me, he's too much of a good goalkeeper to be without a club," he concluded.
Simba SC Move Collapses
According to Kick Off Magazine, Nwabali's most concrete offer came from Tanzanian club Simba SC, but the move collapsed due to a disagreement over personal terms. The goalkeeper remains without a club as the new season approaches.
Etafia Calls for National Team Support
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia has rallied support for Nwabali, urging coach Eric Chelle to invite him to training sessions to maintain fitness, even if he does not play. Etafia argued that such a gesture would reward Nwabali's past service to the national team and help him stay match-ready.
