Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia has urged the national team handlers to continue inviting Stanley Nwabali to the squad despite his current status as a free agent.
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Nwabali, who has been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent matches, is currently without a club, raising questions about his place in the Nigeria national football team setup.
However, Etafia believes the goalkeeper’s past performances for the national team justify his continued inclusion.
“Nwabali has done well whenever he has been called upon,” Etafia said.
The former shot-stopper explained that international football is not always solely about club status, especially when a player has consistently delivered strong performances at national level.
He acknowledged that the coaching crew may want to assess other goalkeepers, but insisted that Nwabali should not be completely left out.
“Even if they want to try others, he should still be part of the squad,” he added.
Etafia also pointed out that being in the national team environment could help Nwabali maintain a competitive edge while he searches for a new club.
According to him, training with the national team will ensure the goalkeeper remains sharp and ready for future matches.
“He needs the opportunity to train at a high and competitive level,” Etafia noted.
The former Super Eagles goalkeeper concluded by urging the technical crew to strike a balance between maintaining competition and retaining experienced players who have already proven their value to the team.
