Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong believes one key decision has made life much harder for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali since the end of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwabali came to national limelight and became Nigeria's first-choice goalie during the 2023 AFCON. He further strengthened his reputation at the 2025 edition in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished third. His performances earned praise across Africa and increased speculation that he could move to a bigger club outside South Africa.
However, in February 2026, the 30-year-old made a bold career move. While still under contract at Chippa United, he requested to leave the South African club in search of a more competitive challenge and improved financial opportunities. Chippa United agreed to the request and both parties terminated the contract four months before its scheduled expiry.
At the time, the decision appeared understandable. Nwabali was coming off a successful AFCON and interest was reportedly emerging from clubs in Europe and elsewhere on the continent. Yet the timing of the move would soon become a major problem.
Troost-Ekong points to transfer-window problem
Troost-Ekong, who was teammates with Nwabali until December when he retired, said the goalkeeper may have benefited from staying at Chippa United until the end of the season.
“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 as per 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. I think seeing Stanley's rise over the last years has been amazing.
“I think he's been the soldier we need for the national team. He had a fantastic Afcon twice in a row, which is very difficult to do.”
Troost-Ekong believes the biggest issue was that Nwabali terminated his contract outside the transfer window. Although he became a free agent, registration rules made it difficult for him to immediately join another 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,” the former Watford and Udinese defender explained.
“So, it's been tough. I've spoken to Stanley a lot as well. I know he's been training, keeping fit. Hopefully there's going to be a good opportunity that comes his way now in the summer.
“It's a difficult one, but 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.”
How Nwabali’s absence changed the Super Eagles
The consequences of being without a club quickly affected Nwabali’s international career. Despite maintaining his fitness through personal training sessions, he was no longer playing competitive football regularly. That became a major factor in his exclusion from Nigeria squads in early 2026.
With Nwabali unavailable, head coach Eric Chelle was forced to reorganise his goalkeeping department.
Francis Uzoho, who remained active with Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, returned to the forefront and was appointed Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in March 2026.
Maduka Okoye also strengthened his position in the squad. The Udinese goalkeeper featured prominently and played the entire 90 minutes during Nigeria’s high-profile international friendlies against Poland and Portugal in June 2026.
Meanwhile, Arthur Okonkwo was also handed his first Super Eagles call-up after switching international allegiance from England. The Wrexham goalkeeper joined the squad for the Unity Cup and summer friendlies, giving Chelle another strong option.
The Super Eagles return to competitive action in September when the qualifying series for the 2027 begins.
