Nwabali deserves a new club - Ekong

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong believes Stanley Nwabali will find a new club soon. He insists that the Nigeria international is “too good” to be without a team. Nwabali has been clubless since he ended his contract with South African side Chippa United in February, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Nwabali ended his Chippa contract four months early. He hoped to join a bigger club after two great Africa Cup of Nations tournaments with Nigeria. He even helped Nigeria win a bronze medal at the 2025 edition in Morocco.

But the timing of his departure was not ideal. He left outside the transfer window, which limited his options. Since then, it has been hard for him to find a new team, and this has affected his place in the Super Eagles.

Troost-Ekong spoke during a virtual SuperSport chat. He was careful not to criticize Nwabali too much but noted that looking back, the decision might not have been the best. He said, “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. That’s me speaking from the outside because, of course, we don’t know what occurred between him and the club.”

The former Nigeria captain, who retired from international football in December, praised Nwabali’s talent. He hopes the situation will change before the new season kicks off. Troost-Ekong said, “I think seeing Stanley’s rise over the last (few) 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 added, “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. 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.”

Troost-Ekong is certain about Nwabali’s future in Nigerian football. He said, “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.”