“On merit” – Ex-Nigerian star sends strong Nwabali warning to Eric Chelle

Former Nigerian midfielder Duke Udi has delivered a blunt message regarding Stanley Nwabali to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nwabali mutually agreed to end his contract at Chippa United in February, bringing an end to his four-year spell at the club.

Since leaving the South African side, the 29-year-old has been without a club and has not played competitive football since helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco.

He was left out of the Super Eagles squad for the March international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, casting doubts over his long-term status as the nation’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The situation has become even more competitive following the arrival of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, after FIFA approved his international switch.

The Super Eagles are set to return to action next month as they defend their Unity Cup title in London, before taking on Portugal and Poland in two high-profile friendlies in June.

Duke Udi on what Eric Chelle should do about Nwabali

Nwabali had established himself as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper ahead of the 2024 African Cup of Nations and has held onto that role since. However, his current situation could see his position come under serious threat, given his lack of club football.

Reflecting on the situation, Udi stressed that national team selection should be strictly based on performance and consistency, urging the Super Eagles to learn from the systems of other countries.

“We need to learn from the English and Senegalese national teams. With all due respect to Nigeria, how do they pick their players?”, Duke Udi told Brila FM.

“Sometimes when you do things your own way and it’s not working, you have to look at those doing it better and learn from them. If you look at the Senegal national team, they pick players based on merit and who is in form. You must prove yourself to get called up.”

Udi further emphasized that representing Nigeria should be earned through consistent club performances, giving the country the best of legs going into matches.

“Every Nigerian who wants to play for the Super Eagles should be chosen on merit, not based on where he comes from or who he represents.

“Once you are qualified, good enough, and performing well at your club, then you are entitled to play for the national team”, he continued.

The former Nigerian midfielder also made it clear that the national team should not serve as an opportunity for players to regain 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?

“As I always say, ‘I get am before no be property.’ You should always pick based on form”, Udi concluded.

What next for Stanley Nwabali?

Despite being linked with moves to Kaizer Chiefs, Simba SC and Al Ahly Benghazi, no concrete deal has been finalized so far, which has left Nwabali without a club as the summer transfer window approaches.

While the 29-year-old has remained calm about the situation, the clock is ticking and he faces a crucial decision to make ahead of the summer, with a fight to keep his place in the Super Eagles setup.