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Stanley Eguma Backs Nwabali for European Move After AFCON Heroics
Former Enyimba and Rivers United head coach Stanley Eguma has expressed confidence that Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is ready to compete in Europe’s top leagues following his standout performances at consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.
Nwabali was Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles finished runners-up, and again at the 2025 edition in Morocco, where the team claimed a bronze medal. His consistency, composure, and leadership between the posts have drawn widespread praise and growing transfer interest.
The 28-year-old recently parted ways with South African Premier Soccer League side Chippa United and is reportedly attracting attention from Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca and Tanzania’s Simba SC, with the latter believed to be leading the race for his signature.
Speaking to Complete Sports, Eguma said that while the final decision rests with the player, he believes a move to Europe would be the most fitting next chapter in Nwabali’s career.
“It’s his career, and he has the prerogative to choose the club that offers the best welfare and career-enhancing opportunities,” Eguma said.
However, the experienced tactician — who served as assistant coach when Enyimba won the 2004 CAF Champions League — insisted that Nwabali’s recent achievements warrant a move beyond the African continent.
“With two AFCON medals — silver and bronze — as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, I believe Europe should be his next career step,” he added.
Eguma also highlighted Nwabali’s attributes, describing him as physically imposing, agile, and mentally sharp.
“He has good height, a strong physical presence, excellent reflexes, and great alertness. In my view, he has little left to prove in Africa,” he said.
Despite backing a European switch, Eguma reiterated that the ultimate decision belongs to the player.
“As I said, it’s his career. The next club he chooses is entirely his decision,” he concluded.
With interest mounting and his stock rising after back-to-back AFCON tournaments, Nwabali’s next move could prove decisive in shaping the next phase of his career.