Former Nigeria international Duke Udi has advised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to leave out Stanley Nwabali from the squad for the upcoming Unity Cup and June friendly matches.
Nwabali impressed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he kept three clean sheets in six games and helped Nigeria secure third place. The 29-year-old also saved penalties against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during the competition.
However, after the tournament, Nwabali delayed his move until the January transfer window closed before leaving Chippa United, a decision that surprised many.
Chelle did not include the former NPFL-winning goalkeeper in his last squad. Instead, Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, and Adebayo Adeleye were selected and featured in the March friendlies against Jordan and Iran.
Speaking ahead of the Unity Cup in London, Udi said players without clubs should not be picked for the national team. He urged Nigeria to follow the example of countries like England and Senegal, where selections are based strictly on form and performance.
According to Udi, every player must earn a place in the team through consistent displays at club level. He stressed that the national team is not a place for players to regain form, adding that while Nwabali is a good goalkeeper, his current lack of a club should count against him.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs and Simba SC are reportedly interested in signing the Super Eagles goalkeeper, but no deal has been completed yet.
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