Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has shared his thoughts on Stanley Nwabali’s recent absence from Nigeria’s national team squad.
The defender believes the goalkeeper’s club situation may have contributed to him losing his position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper under head coach Eric Chelle.
Nwabali has not been called up since his contract with South African club Chippa United ended.
Okoye gets opportunity after Nwabali absence
Since Nwabali’s omission, Chelle has turned to Maduka Okoye in recent matches as the team’s preferred goalkeeper.
Troost-Ekong suggested that staying with Chippa United could possibly have helped Nwabali maintain his place in the national team.
However, he admitted that he does not know the full details of what happened between the goalkeeper and his former club.
Troost-Ekong reflects on goalkeeper’s decision
The former Super Eagles captain said decisions around a player’s career can have unexpected consequences.
He explained that from an outside perspective, remaining with Chippa United might have been a better option for Nwabali at the time.
Nwabali searches for new club
Nwabali is currently without a club and is expected to find a new team during the summer transfer window.
The goalkeeper became a key figure for Nigeria after his impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped the Super Eagles reach the final.