Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has criticised Stanley Nwabali following the goalkeeper’s decision to leave Chippa United after the January transfer window closed.
Nwabali became a free agent after being released by the Premier Soccer League side just days after the winter window shut.
The 28-year-old later revealed he had no offer on the table before asking the South African club to terminate his contract, a move that has drawn criticism from sections of the media.
January window: Five Nigerian stars who missed out on transfer moves
The Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper now risks being without competitive football for at least six months.
“I wonder what he was thinking when he requested to cancel his contract while having no offers on the table,” Lawal exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“The transfer window has closed everywhere, and I don’t even think the Saudi window is still open. I believe he should have waited and seen out his contract, especially since he only has six months left.”
Nwabali has been linked with several African clubs, including Morocco’s Raja Casablanca and Tanzania’s Simba SC, as well as other South African sides.
However, he may be unable to feature for any new club as registration windows have closed.
“It makes no difference now—he’s sitting at home without playing when he could have been playing for his club, unless there’s something he and his agent aren’t telling us,” Lawal added.
Orlando Pirates and Simba SC among clubs interested in Stanley Nwabali
The goalkeeper could return to a Nigeria Premier Football League side to train in order to maintain fitness ahead of international duty.
“There’s no way you can compare training to competitive matches. Even if he signs for a team now, he won’t be able to play because registration has closed. That means he’ll be without competitive football for six months, and the best he can do is train. It’s not good for him or the national team. Because as the first choice, he needs to be active,” Lawal concluded.
