Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been told that securing regular club football is the only way to regain his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, as head coach Eric Chelle continues reshaping the national team ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu believes Nwabali’s prolonged absence from competitive football has placed him at a disadvantage, with Chelle now favouring players who are consistently active at club level.
The 30-year-old has been without a club since terminating his contract with South African outfit Chippa United in February 2026. His departure came as a surprise to many, especially after his impressive performances for both club and country had raised expectations of a move to one of Africa’s biggest teams.
Nwabali’s stock had risen significantly following Nigeria’s back-to-back successful AFCON campaigns. He played a crucial role as the Super Eagles finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before helping the three-time African champions secure third place at the 2025 edition.
Those performances attracted interest from clubs across South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Tanzania, while several reports linked him with high-profile moves during the transfer window.
When he left Chippa United, many believed a lucrative transfer had already been finalised. However, months later, the goalkeeper remains a free agent and has continued training individually while waiting for the right opportunity.
His lack of competitive football has also affected his international career.
Since becoming unattached, Nwabali has missed six consecutive Super Eagles matches, with Chelle opting for goalkeepers who are playing regularly for their respective clubs. Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho have all been preferred during that period.
With Nigeria set to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign in September, there are growing concerns that the former Chippa United shot-stopper could remain on the sidelines unless he quickly resolves his club future.
Shorunmu: Regular football is the only solution
Shorunmu insists Nwabali’s quality has never been in doubt but believes only consistent game time can help him force his way back into Chelle’s plans.
“Everybody knows about Nwabali’s qualities no doubt about that, my sincere advice to him is to get a club where he can play week in, week out,” Shorunmu told Vanguard.
“That is the only way to maintain consistency and if a coach is re-building a team he is likely to look out for players who are busy and will pick them on current form.
“It may not matter whether he is playing for a foreign club or home club what is important is that he is busy playing.”
Meanwhile, reports from Soccer Laduma claim Nwabali is in advanced talks with an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.
Sources close to the negotiations reportedly revealed that the club is impressed by the Nigerian international’s performances at the last two AFCON tournaments, with discussions now at an advanced stage.
The report adds that a deal could be concluded before the end of the week if both parties successfully agree on the remaining details.
A move to Saudi Arabia would represent the first time in Nwabali’s career that he would play club football outside Africa.
Earlier in the transfer window, the Super Eagles goalkeeper was heavily linked with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. However, the proposed move failed to materialise after the Saudi club could not reach an agreement with Chippa United over a transfer fee before the goalkeeper’s exit.
If the current negotiations are successfully completed, Nwabali would not only secure a fresh start but also significantly boost his chances of returning to Nigeria’s starting XI.
With Eric Chelle placing greater emphasis on players who are featuring regularly for their clubs, Nwabali knows that signing for a new team and returning to competitive action could be the decisive step towards reclaiming the Super Eagles’ No. 1 shirt ahead of the crucial 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
