Troost-Ekong Explains Mistake That Left Nwabali Without a Club

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has suggested that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali may have made a costly decision by leaving his former club, Chippa United, outside the transfer window.

Nwabali has been without a club since ending his stay with the South African side, a situation that has raised concerns ahead of Nigeria’s future international fixtures.

Speaking to Sowetan, Troost-Ekong admitted that, from an outsider’s perspective, staying at Chippa United 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.

The defender, who has played for clubs including Watford and Udinese, praised Nwabali’s rise in recent years and his performances for the Super Eagles.

“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 timing of Nwabali’s departure made it difficult for the goalkeeper to secure a new club quickly.

“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.

The centre-back revealed that he has remained in contact with Nwabali and is confident the goalkeeper will soon find a new team.

“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 established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper after his impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and remains a key figure in the Super Eagles setup despite his current club situation.