Former Super Eagles captain insists goalkeeper will bounce back soon

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, speaking during a virtual SuperSport discussion on June 25, 2026, has expressed strong support for Stanley Nwabali, insisting the Nigeria international remains “too good” to be without a club following his departure from Chippa United earlier in the year.

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The comments come at a delicate moment for Stanley Nwabali, who has remained unattached since terminating his contract with South African side Chippa United in February 2026.

The decision, made four months before the end of his deal, was influenced by expectations of securing a move to a higher-profile club after standout performances for Nigeria at successive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

However, the timing of the exit outside the transfer window significantly restricted his opportunities, leaving the goalkeeper without a new team and ultimately affecting his standing in the Super Eagles setup under head coach Eric Chelle.

Troost-Ekong, reflecting on the situation with a measured tone, acknowledged that hindsight has made the decision appear costly, even while stressing that the full context remains unknown.

He said: “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.”

Despite the setback, Troost-Ekong was firm in his praise of the goalkeeper’s ability and influence on the national team during recent tournaments, describing his rise as both impressive and vital for Nigeria’s competitive stability.

“I think seeing Stanley’s rise over the last few 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,” he said.

The former skipper also highlighted the practical challenges created by the timing of Nwabali’s contract termination, noting that it has complicated his search for a new club and disrupted his playing rhythm at a crucial stage of his career.

“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,” Troost-Ekong added.

“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.”

He went further to underline his belief in the goalkeeper’s long-term value to Nigeria’s national team setup, expressing confidence that a return to club football is imminent.

“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.”

The situation continues to draw attention within Nigerian football circles, as Eric Chelle reshapes his squad and monitors form and fitness ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

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For Nwabali, the coming weeks may prove decisive in determining both his club future and his route back into the Super Eagles’ first-choice plans.