27/06/2026
I MADE A BAD DECISION
When I was leaving my previous club in South Africa (Chippa United), I never knew I would stayed without a club for almost half a year.
My decision to leave Chippa United was with mutual consent and both parties were happy at the end of the day.
My hope of getting a better club was huge, most especially coming out fresh from AFCON Nations Cup in Morocco with a third place finish.
I got several offers from clubs in Tanzania, Morocco, South Africa, Belgium and England, but I turned them down hoping for a top club from one of the A-list Leagues in Europe, like Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid to mention but a few would call for my signature.
None of these clubs came for me and before I knew it, it was few days to close the winter transfer in Europe and Africa.
Upon reaching out to Queens Park Rangers of England, I was told that they had already signed another goal keeper in place of me. Same was said by Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa and Raja Casablanca of Morocco. That moment was a very challenging period of my career and life.
My last hope was in Royale Union Saint Gilloise of Belgium as they still showed interest in me, but before the paper works could be concluded, the summer transfer window had already closed, leaving me without a club.
It is very difficult to get a club off transfer window period, thus I have been without club and trying to train on my own in order to keep fit.
This singular decision of mine cost me my place in the Super eagles as I was shunned for the Gold cup against Zimbabwe, Jamaica and India as the super eagles manager Eric Chelle doesn't have faith in me again, just because I was clubless and not playing competitive football any longer. Instead of me, Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo were invited.
My greater fear is that when the summer transfer finally opens, it would be very difficult for any foreign clubs to be interested in me as I am currently clubless and there is no way I could have showcased my football talents and fitness level to the potential clubs.
What this means is that, I have to start all over again in the Nigerian League to build up my career again.
Nigerians, please pray for me.
To all aspiring and young goal keepers and footballers, always seize the opportunity that comes your way without delay.
If the desirable is not available, make the available the desirable - Stanley Nwabali (2026).
Author: Vintage Prime Studio.
