Nwabali Returns to Super Eagles Squad, Sends Message to Critics

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has returned to Nigeria’s national team squad and appeared to take a swipe at critics following his recall for the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Chippa United goalkeeper, who had been away from the national team for an extended period, shared a video on Snapchat featuring his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s bronze-medal match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nwabali accompanied the video with the caption, “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying ,” apparently responding to those who had criticised his absence from the national team.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament, playing a crucial role in the Super Eagles’ 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt after the match ended in a draw.

Nwabali saved penalties from Salah and Marmoush during the shootout and was subsequently named Man of the Match.

However, his situation changed after the tournament as uncertainty surrounding his club career affected his availability and match fitness.

According to reports, Nwabali left Chippa United in February with expectations that he would secure a move to another club.

The anticipated transfer did not materialise, leaving him without regular competitive football for a period and contributing to his omission from subsequent Super Eagles squads.

During his absence, Maduka Okoye emerged as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Okoye started the Super Eagles’ June international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, with his performances adding further competition for the national team’s No. 1 position.

Another goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, also entered the picture after the former Arsenal academy player received his first senior Nigeria call-up following FIFA’s approval of his change of international allegiance.

Okonkwo subsequently made his Super Eagles debut at the 2026 Unity Cup, starting both matches and keeping clean sheets in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe and 3-0 win against Jamaica.

His performances further strengthened the competition among Nigeria’s goalkeepers and provided coach Éric Chelle with additional options for the national team.

Nwabali’s return to the national-team fold began after Chippa United confirmed in July that the goalkeeper had returned to the club, five months after his departure.

The South African club said Nwabali had “taken time away” before returning to the Eastern Cape, where he quickly regained his place in the starting line-up.

He marked his return to club football with an impressive performance against Golden Arrows, making six saves and keeping a clean sheet. His display earned him the Man of the Match award.

His return to regular competitive football has now opened the door for his Super Eagles recall, with Chelle including him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo in the squad for Nigeria’s September 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures.

Nwabali’s return means the Super Eagles now have three goalkeepers competing for the starting position, with their performances expected to play a significant role in Chelle’s selection decisions during the qualifiers.

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