‘He Should Have Stayed’ – Troost-Ekong Speaks On Nwabali’s Super Eagles Exit

Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has suggested that Stanley Nwabali’s decision to leave Chippa United may have contributed to the goalkeeper losing his place as Nigeria’s first-choice shot-stopper.

Troost-Ekong said the goalkeeper’s club situation appeared to have influenced Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s recent selection decisions.

Naija News reports that Nwabali, who established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper following his impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has not been invited to the Super Eagles since his contract with South African side Chippa United was terminated.

His absence from recent national team call-ups has seen Maduka Okoye reclaim the number one position under Chelle.

Speaking on Nwabali’s situation, Troost-Ekong admitted he was not privy to the circumstances surrounding the goalkeeper’s departure from Chippa United but suggested remaining at the club might have been the better option.

“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.

“That’s me speaking from the outside because, of course, we don’t know what occurred between him and the club.”

Nwabali is currently without a club after leaving Chippa United and is expected to secure a move during the ongoing summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, barely two months ago, Nwabali stated that leagues across West Africa lag behind those in South Africa and Morocco due to weak structures and low player salaries.

Speaking to Brila FM, Stanley Nwabali who is currently without a club, said poor pay and limited organisation continue to push players to seek opportunities abroad.

“In West Africa, our leagues are not as good. We want to go to Europe, we want to come to South Africa, we want to go to Morocco,” Nwabali said.

“The league, the pay is a little bit nice for a certain level of your team.

“If your league is nice, you’re getting paid, you’re getting sponsors, what are you leaving for?”

Nwabali said only a handful of clubs in the region can offer competitive wages, leaving many footballers with little incentive to remain at home.

He added that stronger infrastructure and better administration give South African and Moroccan competitions a clear advantage.

The goalkeeper began his career in the Nigeria Premier Football League, representing Go Round FC, Enyimba FC, Lobi Stars FC and Katsina United FC before moving to Chippa United in 2022.

The 30-year-old will be hoping that regular club football helps him regain his place in the Super Eagles squad ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures.