Nwabali too good to be clubless – Ekong

William Troost-Ekong, former captain of the Super Eagles, has voiced his support for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, stating the player is "too good" to be without a club. Nwabali has been unattached since terminating his contract with South African side Chippa United in February.

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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.

Nwabali's decision to end his contract four months early was driven by a desire to secure a move to a more prominent club, fueled by his impressive performances in two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including a bronze medal finish in the latest edition. However, his departure outside the transfer window has significantly limited his options, and he has since struggled to find a new team, consequently losing his position in the Super Eagles squad.

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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.

Speaking on a virtual SuperSport discussion, Troost-Ekong acknowledged that while he cannot speak for Nwabali, the situation might have been better if he had stayed with Chippa. "That’s me speaking from the outside because, of course, we don’t know what occurred between him and the club," he said. He praised Nwabali's rise, calling him "the soldier we need for the national team" and highlighting his consistent Afcon performances as difficult to achieve.

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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.

Troost-Ekong believes the timing of Nwabali's contract termination outside the transfer window made finding a new club challenging. He confirmed he has spoken with Nwabali, who is diligently training and staying fit. "Hopefully, there’s going to be a good opportunity that comes his way now in the summer," Troost-Ekong added, expressing confidence that Nwabali will find a club and return to playing, as Nigeria needs him for the national team. "For me, he’s too much of a good goalkeeper to be without a club."

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For me, he’s too much of a good goalkeeper to be without a club.