Nwabali: How not to treat a star in distress

By Julius Okorie

Nigerians were no doubt unanimous in their praise of the Super Eagles for their performance at the last AFCON in Morocco.

Although the team failed in their bid to clinch the title for the fourth time, the effort put into the competition leading to eventual third place finish gave many a lot to cheer about.

Impressive run by the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi to mention just a few in achieving the feat cannot be waved aside.

One man who quietly contributed in no small measure to this achievement – even dating back to the 2023 edition under former coach Jose Peseiro – was number one goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

His shot‑stopping ability, command of the penalty area, and composure under pressure in the course of the battles against opponents earned him praise during and after the tournament. Unfortunately in a twist of fate the Chippa United of South Africa safehand parted ways with the club on mutual agreement after four years that saw him make 76 appearances for the club keeping 25 clean sheets and became a free agent from February 6, 2026.

Expectedly suitors emerged in their numbers seeking to have Nwabali in their fold.

At the last count no fewer than eight clubs signified interest to sign Nwabali following his exit from Chippa United.

Leading the pack is Tanzania league side Simba Sports Club known for their fight to the finish effort in their CAF Confederation Cup. They are by no means a big club in Tanzania and the Continent, Azam FC also of Tanzania also showed interest.

Other clubs that signified interest include South African league giants Kaizer Chiefs who hitherto had former Super Eagles goalie Daniel Akpeyi as their number one. Orlando Pirates, Raja Casablanca of Morocco, Saudi side Al Ettifaq, English football league side Queens Park Rangers and Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise all stood up to be counted in their quest for the services of the 30 year old goalkeeper who has made 34 appearances for the Super Eagles since joining the national team in 2021.

Despite the avalanche of suitors that came knocking at the door, Nwabali is yet to be attached.

Incidentally this period of inertia coincided with current metamorphosis in the Eagles or better put re-building process under Eric Chelle aimed at discovering younger players in all departments with a view to presenting a more portent Super Eagles ahead of the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and, by extension, see qualification for 2030 World Cup in Portugal, Spain and Morocco as non-negotiable projects.

In this ongoing rebuilding process, free agent Stanley Bobo Nwabali appears to have been sidelined.

He was neither involved in recent international friendlies nor in the recent four nation Unity Cup in London involving Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and India, with Nigeria emerging champion and indeed making it back to back victory having won the two last editions against Jamaica.

These recent matches saw the infusion, not just new players in the super Eagles, but even goalkeepers, Nwabali’s constituency.

As it stands resurgent Maduka Okoye who plies his trade with Italian side Udinese, Francis Uzoho (Omonia Cyprus) and Arthur Okonkwo(Wrexham, England) appear to have taken their positions in the re-building project thus making it look as if Nwabali, with his qualities, is gradually being relegated to the background.

Some have argued that for his wealth of experience he ought to be carried along, club or no club, as his leadership and other qualities would come handy and serve as motivation for his colleagues in gloves, especially the younger ones. After all, we have had cases where club-less players have been taken to big events like the nations cup and even the World cup to serve as motivators of the squad even when they were not playing for clubs, but bringing their experience to bear on the squad.

Proponents of this school of thought opine that some players serve as ginger for others even when they are club-less or even injured. For instance the Passion of former Brazil international Ronaldinho while he was still active was infectious. When Ronaldinho played, he smiled as if every touch was a child’s game. His joy inspired millions on and off the pitch and proved that passion is the fuel that keeps a footballer’s flame burning, even in difficult times.

Spain international Andrés Iniesta, was considered epitome of humility, despite scoring one of the most important goals in Spain’s history, he never lost his humility.

He greeted everyone, thanked his opponents, and stayed away from controversy.

What this means is that a player with experience and quality can serve as a ginger sometimes for the good of the game and the team.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu while agreeing that there is nothing wrong with carrying an experienced goalkeeper like Nwabali along, insists it is important that he gets a club where he can play week in, week out as there lies fitness and consistent performance. “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. 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” he told Vanguard Sports Wednesday.

As the Eagles continue the build up for better improved outing, it is important that everyone capable of adding substance to the team be made part of the project.

On the part of Nwabali, the quest for a new club must continue whether home or abroad.

Teaming up with any Nigeria premier league side that shows interest will not be a bad idea to avoid match rustiness for a goalkeeper who shone like a million stars in two consecutive nations Cup.

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