“That’s the only way” – Nwabali warned as Chelle’s Super Eagles rebuild threatens No.1 spot

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been warned that his place as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper could be under serious threat if he does not find a new club soon, Soccernet.ng reports.

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu believes Nwabali's long spell without club football is becoming a major problem, especially at a time when Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is rebuilding the national team ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nwabali has been without a club since February 2026 after unexpectedly ending his stay with South African side Chippa United, a move William Troost-Ekong has delivered a Frank verdict about. The decision shocked many football followers because it came shortly after he had helped Nigeria secure third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament was another important milestone in the 30-year-old's career. A year earlier, he had played a key role as Nigeria reached the final of the 2023 AFCON, finishing runners-up after losing to hosts Ivory Coast.

Following those performances, many expected Nwabali to complete a major transfer. He was repeatedly linked with clubs in South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Tanzania, while several reports suggested some of the continent's biggest teams were monitoring him.

When he left Chippa United, many supporters believed a big-money move was already arranged. Instead, months later, the goalkeeper remains unattached and has been training privately while waiting for a new opportunity.

The consequences have already started showing at international level. Since leaving Chippa United, Nwabali has not been invited for any Super Eagles matches.

He has missed six consecutive games, with Chelle preferring goalkeepers who are actively playing for their clubs. Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho have all been selected ahead of him during that period.

With Nigeria scheduled to return to action in September for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, concerns are growing that Nwabali could continue to be overlooked unless his club situation changes quickly.

Super Eagles: Shorunmu warns active goalkeepers have advantage

Shorunmu believes the solution is simply that Nwabali must join a club and start playing regularly.

“Everybody knows about Nwabali’s qualities no doubt about that, my sincere advice to him is to get a club where he can play week in, week out,” Shorunmu told Vanguard.

“That is the only way to maintain consistency and if a coach is re-building a team he is likely to look out for players who are busy and will pick them on current form.

“It may not matter whether he is playing for a foreign club or home club what is important is that he is busy playing.”

The warning comes as reports indicate that Nwabali could finally be close to ending his search for a new club.

According to Soccer Laduma, the Super Eagles goalkeeper is currently in advanced negotiations with an unnamed Saudi Arabian club. Sources close to the discussions claim the club is impressed by his international experience and AFCON performances, and negotiations have reached an advanced stage.

There are indications that a deal could be completed before the end of the week if the remaining details are successfully resolved.

A move to Saudi Arabia would not be Nwabali's first connection with the Gulf nation. Earlier in the transfer window, he was strongly linked with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. However, that transfer collapsed before his departure from Chippa United after the Saudi club failed to reach an agreement over his valuation with the South African side.

If the current negotiations are successful, Nwabali would play club football outside Africa for the first time in his career.

More importantly, regular football could help him reclaim the No. 1 jersey for Nigeria. His reputation and market value rose significantly after his outstanding performances at the last two AFCON tournaments, but with Chelle continuing his rebuilding process, staying without a club for much longer could leave him watching from the sidelines while other goalkeepers strengthen their claims to the starting spot.