Nwabali speaks on his return and the goalkeeper competition

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has said that getting back to being Nigeria’s number one is not his main focus right now. He is settling into a new phase with South African club Chippa United, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Nwabali, who is 31 years old, rejoined the Eastern Cape club last month. He had previously left in February and spent about six months without playing competitive football.

He kept a clean sheet in his first match back, helping Chippa United win their opening game of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. He made six saves in that match and won the Man of The Match award. He also played in another league game shortly after.

“I feel positive coming back to the club, not just for me but also for the team. The relationship and the agreement is all good. I just want the team to succeed this season,” Nwabali told SABC Sport.

“Coming back to this club feels like I’m coming back to my family and my home, and I’m really happy to be back on the pitch, doing what I love.”

Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo have been sharing goalkeeping duties for the Super Eagles while Nwabali was away. He said he is not currently focused on getting back his old shirt.

“I’m not really worried about that one; I’m only focused on helping my club pick up as many points as possible. So for now, I’m not too worried about the national team,” he said.

His latest match did not go well. Chippa United lost 3-0 to Orlando Pirates at Kings Park Stadium. This defeat left Chippa United at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table after three games.

Nwabali became a hero during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He saved two penalties against South Africa in the semi-final shootout, helping Nigeria reach the final. He built on this reputation at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. There, he won the Man of The Match award against Egypt after saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as Nigeria secured bronze.

The Super Eagles will play again in September. They will host Madagascar in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. This match is expected to show what head coach Eric Chelle thinks about goalkeeping options.