Akpeyi supports Nwabali's comeback for Eagles

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Photo: Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, has said that Stanley Nwabali’s return to Chippa United in South Africa could help him get back into the national team. He believes that not playing regularly at a club was the main reason Nwabali was left out of Eric Chelle’s squad.

Nwabali was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He helped the Super Eagles reach the final and was also the team’s number one in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria won its ninth bronze medal. Since leaving Chippa United by mutual agreement in February, he has not played for the national team. He missed Nigeria’s successful 2026 Unity Cup and friendlies against Poland and Portugal. Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo, and Maduka Okoye took his place during his absence.

Akpeyi told FARPost that Nwabali’s strong track record with the Super Eagles should work in his favour when he regains his form.

"He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles. A lot can change in a season. Football is so fluid.

I know he will manage to get back his form and earn the trust of the coaches, then he will rise again quickly. I would not be surprised if he was Nigeria’s number one in the next few games," Akpeyi said.

The former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper explained that Nwabali’s absence was more about not being signed to any club than a drop in skill.

"When you are not attached to any team, it is obvious you will not get invited to the national team. Even when you are not playing regularly, it is very difficult to get a call-up," he said.

Akpeyi added that Nwabali returning to Chippa United, where he started his career, gives him a good chance to get back on track.

"He needs to revive himself. But it has started with first getting a team, as it gives him an opportunity to be recalled to the national team. So this could be one of the reasons why he decided to come back home to Chippa United, where he started. At least there, he will get the platform to play and remind people what he can do," Akpeyi said.

Nwabali will aim to make an impact at Chippa United as the 2026/27 South African Premiership season kicks off on August 1. He hopes to regain his form ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which starts in September.