Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali could secure a move to a new club in the coming days, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper has been a free agent since leaving Chippa United in February. Before his exit, he was heavily linked with several African clubs, with many expecting an immediate transfer.
However, despite the intense speculation, Nwabali remains without a club. This period of inactivity has cost him his position in the Super Eagles squad, with Maduka Okoye stepping in and delivering a series of impressive performances.
Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria (Photo by Imago)
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong even recently weighed in on Nwabali’s situation, and he expressed confusion.
”Obviously, I can’t speak for Stanley, but based on how things have unfolded, maybe it would have been a better decision to remain with Chippa. That is me speaking from the outside because, of course, we don’t know what occurred behind the scenes. It’s a difficult situation, but seeing Stanley’s rise over the last few years has been amazing,” Troost-Ekong said.
Stanley Nwabali Tipped to Move to Saudi Arabia
Stanley Nwabali for Super Eagles. Copyright: ImagoxKimxPricex
Despite the tight situation, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, as the former Enyimba goalkeeper appears set for a breakthrough.
According to Soccer Laduma, Nwabali is reportedly on his way to Saudi Arabia. While he was previously linked to clubs in Israel, no concrete deal materialized.
Negotiations with an unnamed Saudi Arabian club are now underway.
”Saudi Arabia looks like the most likely destination,” the Soccer Laduma report stated. “The club involved likes his profile and believes he can add experience and quality to their squad. There could be developments by the end of this week if everything goes according to plan.”
Stanley Nwabali wins MOTM award after Super Eagles beat Egypt. (Photo credit: CAF/X)
Nwabali’s status as a Nigerian international has significantly increased his appeal to prospective suitors. The identity of the Saudi club is still undisclosed though, but more details are expected to come up in the coming days if the negotiations turn out to be positive.
If the deal goes through, it will be Nwabali’s first time playing out of Africa.