Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has responded to his critics following his return to Nigeria’s squad for the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Chippa United shot-stopper took to Snapchat to celebrate his recall, posting a video of his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s third-place play-off at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I’m back, it’s time to keep crying 😂,” Nwabali captioned the video.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper was instrumental in Nigeria’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt after the third-place match ended in a draw.
Nwabali saved penalties from Salah and Marmoush during the shootout and was subsequently named Man of the Match for his performance.
However, his position in the national team came under threat following uncertainty over his club future after the tournament.
According to reports by Tribal Football, Nwabali left Chippa United in February amid expectations that he would secure a move to another club.
The proposed transfer failed to materialise, leaving him without regular competitive action and eventually resulting in his omission from the Super Eagles squad.
Maduka Okoye subsequently became Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and started the team’s June international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Okoye’s performances in those matches sparked further debate over the battle for the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping position.
The competition was further strengthened by the emergence of Arthur Okonkwo, the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper who received his first senior Nigeria call-up after FIFA approved his switch of international allegiance.
Okonkwo made his Super Eagles debut at the 2026 Unity Cup, starting both matches and keeping clean sheets as Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 and Jamaica 3-0.
His displays added another dimension to the competition for the national team’s No. 1 shirt.
Nwabali’s route back to the Super Eagles began in July after Chippa United confirmed that he had returned to the club, five months after his departure.
The South African side said the goalkeeper had “taken time away” before returning to the Eastern Cape.
He wasted little time in reclaiming his starting position, producing a six-save performance and keeping a clean sheet against Golden Arrows to win the Man of the Match award.
His return to regular club football has now earned him another opportunity with the national team, with coach Éric Chelle naming him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for the September qualifiers.
The recall sets up another chapter in the increasingly competitive battle for the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping position.
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