'Maybe It Would've Been Better If Nwabali Remained With Chippa'

Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has suggested that Stanley Nwabali may have been better off remaining at Chippa United, with the goalkeeper still without a club.

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Speculation surrounding the shot-stopper's future intensified following his impressive performances for the Super Eagles over the last two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

At AFCON 2025, he played a key role in helping Nigeria reach the semi-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Morocco on penalties. The Super Eagles went on to defeat Egypt in the third-place playoff.

Then, in February this year, Nwabali and Chippa United reportedly reached an agreement to terminate his contract four months before its expiry date.

Despite being linked with several clubs in the months that followed, the 30-year-old remains a free agent.

Speaking about Nwabali's current situation, Troost-Ekong admitted that, from the outside looking in, staying at Chippa may have ultimately 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, according to The Sowetan via Soccernet.ng.

"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 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."

The former Watford defender also believes the timing of Nwabali's departure may have contributed to his current predicament.

Troost-Ekong explained that leaving Chippa outside of an active transfer window significantly reduced the goalkeeper's chances of securing an immediate move elsewhere.

"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 defender added.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Nwabali's future, Troost-Ekong remains confident that the goalkeeper will soon find a new home.

"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 to playing his football because we need him for the national team.

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

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With the new season fast approaching, Nwabali will be hoping that his next move materialises sooner rather than later as he looks to continue building on his growing reputation at both club and international level.