Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has suggested that Stanley Nwabali’s decision to leave Chippa United before the end of his contract may have unintentionally disrupted the goalkeeper’s career momentum, Footynaija reports.
Nwabali has been the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and he was also the reliable shot-stopper in goal as Nigeria finished third at the 2025 edition.
Following that success, the 30-year-old opted to end his stay at Chippa United in February 2026, with both parties agreeing to terminate his contract months before it was due to expire. The move was expected to open the door to a bigger club, but it instead left him without competitive football for an extended period.
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Reflecting on the situation, Troost-Ekong said as per Sowetan: “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.
“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.”
According to the former Watford and Udinese defender, the biggest setback was the timing of Nwabali’s departure.
“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,” he 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.”
Nwabali’s absence from regular club football soon affected his international standing. With head coach Eric Chelle preferring active players as Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye (with appearances against Poland and Portugal) strengthening their places in the squad. New arrival Arthur Okonkwo also entered the picture after switching allegiance from England.
As Nigeria prepare for the start of the 2027 qualification campaign in September, Nwabali’s next move could determine whether he can reclaim his place between the posts.
