Former Nigeria international Duke Udi has advised Eric Chelle to leave out goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from upcoming fixtures unless he secures a new club.
Nwabali was a standout performer for the Nigeria national football team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the side to a third-place finish with a series of impressive displays, including multiple penalty saves.
However, his situation has changed since the tournament, with the 29-year-old currently without a club following his departure from Chippa United after the winter transfer window.
Chelle omitted Nwabali from Nigeria’s most recent squad, instead selecting Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye for recent friendlies.
Udi argued that national team selection should be strictly based on current form and club activity.
“We need to learn from the English and Senegalese national teams you must prove yourself to get called up,” he said.
“Every Nigerian who wants to play for the Super Eagles should be chosen on merit. Once you are performing well at your club, then you are entitled to play.”
Udi was particularly critical of the idea of including players without clubs, insisting the national team should not serve as a platform for regaining fitness or form.
“The national team isn’t a rehabilitation centre. Nwabali isn’t a bad goalkeeper, but for now he is clubless so how do you bring a clubless player into the national team?” he added.
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Despite his current situation, Nwabali remains a sought-after figure, with reported interest from Kaizer Chiefs and Simba SC, although no deal has yet materialised.
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Nigeria are set to compete in the Unity Cup in London before playing international friendlies in June, with Chelle expected to name his squad in the coming weeks.
