Chelle Wrong To Snub Nwabali For Unity Cup – Etafia

Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia has questioned head coach Eric Chelle’s decision to leave Stanley Nwabali out of the Unity Cup squad, arguing that an invitation—even as a fourth-choice option—would have done the shot-stopper a world of good.

Nwabali, 29, has been without a club since parting ways with South African side Chippa United in February. Despite his heroics at the last AFCON in Morocco, where Nigeria clinched third place, the goalkeeper now finds himself in a career limbo.

Speaking with Brila FM, Etafia stressed that bringing Nwabali into camp wasn’t about game time, but about supporting a player who has served the national team well.

“Every player wants to play, and Nwabali isn’t different from that,” Etafia said. “Unfortunately, things happened to him at Chippa; he is a free agent now. There are lots of clubs looking at him.”

He added: “I think the goalkeeper coach and the head coach should have called up Nwabali to train with the team for the Unity Cup because of what he has done in the past. Even if he is not among the first three goalkeepers, make him the fourth one to come to camp. He knows he isn’t going to play official games with the team, but the training will help him a lot.”

Etafia, who has been assisting Nwabali behind the scenes, also revealed that the goalkeeper is expected to return to action next season.

“For next season he will play. He is a top goalkeeper and has done so well for the Nigerian national team in the two AFCON tournaments he has played,” Etafia said. “He is the number one goalkeeper, but because he doesn’t have a club, I think the coaches feel they have options and want to give opportunities to others.”