Nwabali Hits Back at Critics After Super Eagles Call-Up

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has fired back at his critics after returning to Nigeria’s squad for the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Chippa United goalkeeper, who has been away from the national team for a while, shared a video on Snapchat. The video shows his penalty saves against Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s bronze-medal match at AFCON 2025.

In the video, Nwabali wrote, “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying 😂.”

The 30-year-old was one of Nigeria’s best players at the tournament. He saved penalties from Salah and Marmoush as the Super Eagles beat Egypt 4-2 in the shootout to win the bronze medal. He was named Man of the Match for his efforts.

Things changed for Nwabali after the tournament when his club situation became unclear.

According to Tribal Football, Nwabali left Chippa United in February, hoping to join another team. But the expected transfer did not happen. This left him without regular competitive football and eventually cost him his place in the Super Eagles.

Maduka Okoye took over as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, playing in the team’s June friendlies against Poland and Portugal. Okoye’s performances sparked talks about who would be the national team’s No. 1 keeper.

Another contender for the position came up in Arthur Okonkwo. He is a former Arsenal academy goalkeeper who received his first senior call-up after FIFA approved his change of international allegiance.

Okonkwo made his Super Eagles debut at the 2026 Unity Cup. He started both matches, keeping clean sheets in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Zimbabwe and 3-0 victory against Jamaica. His strong performances increased the competition among Nigeria’s goalkeepers.

Nwabali’s return to the national team started in July when Chippa United announced that he had come back to the club five months after leaving.

The South African club said the goalkeeper had “taken time away” before returning to the Eastern Cape. He quickly got back his starting position and impressed against Golden Arrows, making six saves and keeping a clean sheet to earn the Man of the Match award.

His return to regular club football has now opened the door for his recall to the Super Eagles. Coach Chelle named him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for the September qualifiers.