The Digest:
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faces mounting pressure to retain his position as Nigeria's first-choice shot-stopper after becoming clubless, with Udinese's Maduka Okoye poised to reclaim the shirt. Nwabali left South African side Chippa United by mutual consent this month without securing a new club, acknowledging "there is no contract in front, there is no club in front." Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal questioned the timing: "I wonder what he was thinking when he requested to cancel his contract while having no offers... The transfer window has closed everywhere." Meanwhile, Okoye has made 17 Serie A appearances this season with four clean sheets. Calls have grown for Nwabali to consider a temporary NPFL move, with Rivers United and Ikorodu City reportedly making approaches. Eagles coach Eric Chelle may be reluctant to rely on a goalkeeper lacking match sharpness for upcoming friendlies against Jordan and potentially Iran.
Key Points:
- Nwabali's inactivity threatens his hold on the Super Eagles' number one jersey.
- Okoye's regular Serie A action gives him a significant advantage in the competition.
- Nwabali's career stalls, while Okoye gains momentum for international recall.
- This signals the critical importance of club football for international selection.
- The timing, with friendlies approaching, puts pressure on Nwabali to find a club.
Sources: The Punch, Chippa United, Garba Lawal
