Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has warned current Nigeria No. 1 Stanley Nwabali that his place as the country’s first-choice goalkeeper could be at risk if he does not secure a new club soon.
Nwabali became a free agent after leaving South African side Chippa United, a move that surprised many football fans considering his outstanding performances for the Super Eagles. He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, building on his impressive displays at the 2023 AFCON, where he helped the Super Eagles reach the final before finishing as runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast.
Despite his international success, Shorunmu believes that spending an extended period without regular club football could threaten Nwabali’s position in the national team.
With new Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle beginning to reshape the squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Shorunmu stressed that regular playing time is essential for any player hoping to remain in contention.
“Everybody knows about Nwabali’s qualities, no doubt about that. My sincere advice to him is to get a club where he can play week in, week out.
“That is the only way to maintain consistency. If a coach is rebuilding a team, he is likely to look for players who are actively playing and select them based on current form.
“It may not matter whether he is playing for a foreign club or a home club; what is important is that he is busy playing.”
Meanwhile, there may be good news on the horizon for Nwabali. According to reports from Soccer Laduma, the goalkeeper is in advanced negotiations with an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.
Sources claim the club is impressed by his performances for Nigeria and his international experience. Talks are said to be progressing well, with a deal potentially set to be finalized this week.
If the move is completed, it could provide Nwabali with the regular first-team football he needs to retain his place as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper.