Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has returned to Nigeria’s squad for the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and appeared to send a message to those who criticised him during his absence from the national team.
Nwabali shared a video on Snapchat showing his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s third-place match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Chippa United goalkeeper captioned the post: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying 😂.”
Nwabali was one of Nigeria’s key performers at the tournament, stopping penalties from Salah and Marmoush as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4-2 in the shootout to secure the bronze medal. He was subsequently named Man of the Match.
Why Nwabali Lost His Place
The goalkeeper’s position changed after AFCON as uncertainty surrounded his club future.
According to reports, Nwabali left Chippa United in February with expectations that he would move to another club. The proposed transfer did not happen, leaving him without consistent competitive football.
He subsequently dropped out of the Super Eagles setup, with Maduka Okoye taking over as Nigeria’s starting goalkeeper during the team’s June international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Okoye’s performances added to the competition for the national team’s No. 1 position.
Okonkwo Adds to Goalkeeping Competition
The battle for the goalkeeper position has also been strengthened by the emergence of Arthur Okonkwo.
The former Arsenal academy goalkeeper received his first senior Nigeria call-up after FIFA approved his switch of international allegiance.
Okonkwo made his Super Eagles debut during the 2026 Unity Cup, starting Nigeria’s matches against Zimbabwe and Jamaica. He kept clean sheets as Nigeria won 2-0 against Zimbabwe and 3-0 against Jamaica.
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His performances gave Nigeria another option in goal ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.
Nwabali Reclaims Starting Role at Chippa
Nwabali’s route back to the national team began in July when Chippa United confirmed that he had returned to the club after spending five months away.
The South African side said the goalkeeper had taken time away before rejoining the team in the Eastern Cape.
He quickly regained his place in the starting lineup and impressed on his return, making six saves and keeping a clean sheet against Golden Arrows. He was also named Man of the Match.
His return to regular competitive football has now earned him another opportunity with the Super Eagles.
Coach Éric Chelle included Nwabali alongside Okoye and Okonkwo in Nigeria’s squad for the September 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
With all three goalkeepers now competing for selection, Nwabali’s return adds another layer to the battle for Nigeria’s starting goalkeeper position.