Former Nigerian international Greg Etafia has urged Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to have included goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in the squad for the Unity Cup, even in a reserve capacity.

A familiar face left out in the cold

Nwabali, 29, earned widespread recognition for his performances as Nigeria finished third at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but the goalkeeper has been without a club since leaving Chippa United by mutual consent in February. Despite his availability, he was not among the goalkeepers called up for the Unity Cup.

Speaking to Brila FM, Etafia argued that inviting Nwabali into camp — even as a fourth-choice goalkeeper — would have served his mental wellbeing and kept him sharp ahead of a potential return to club football.