No Pay, No Stay - Nigeria Goalkeeper BLASTS State of African Football: “Not Good Enough”

'Not Good Enough' - Super Eagles Star Puts African Football on Blast

Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been critical in recent days over the state of football in West Africa, stating that local leagues are below the required standard when compared to the likes of Morocco, South Africa and Europe.

Speaking on the radio, Nwabali displayed several hierarchal and structural issues that lead to many players wishing to exit their home leagues. He went on to mention poor wages and a lack of professional contracts amongst some of the key reasons why talented players look away from home to find the right opportunities.

Nwabali Critical of West African Domestic Football

“In West Africa, our leagues are not good enough. We want to go to Europe, we want to go to South Africa, and we want to go to Morocco,” Nwabali stated.

Stanley Nwabali continues to have a private training session while he is a free agent.

Note that he wasn't called up in the latest Super Eagles' squad for the March friendlies. pic.twitter.com/wSBkYRAG1A

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 18, 2026

The Super Eagles international, who has won 33 caps for his country, explained that financial insecurity is the chief reason behind the desires of home-grown talents to seek opportunities both overseas and elsewhere in Africa. Without sponsorship nor stable salaries, Nwabali argued that players cannot rely on their domestic clubs and infrastructure anymore and claims that players may not feel the need to leave if home leagues were better organised.

He also broke down issues with infrastructure and managerial gaps as more key reasons why West Africa is falling behind in football, mentioning that the difference in facilities and organisation between West African nations and other countries and regions makes it harder for players to convince themselves to stay.

“If the league is good, salaries are guaranteed, and there are sponsors, why would a player leave?” he added.

Who Is Stanley Nwabali?

Stanley Nwabali, aged 29, recently became a free agent after ending his time with South African side Chippa United in February, not long after his starting role for Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He was the Super Eagles' starting keeper at the tournament in Morocco, and played in the semi-final clash against the host nation that ended with Morocco advancing on penalties following a tense match. He may not remain Nigeria's number one for much longer, with Wrexham star Arthur Okonkwo having confirmed his international switch from England to Nigeria in recent weeks.

His comments come at a time wherein many West African players have continued their respective searches for sporting careers abroad, further implicating the challenges posed to local football structures.