Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has returned to Nigeria’s squad and wasted little time sending a message to those who had criticised him during his absence.
Nwabali shared a video on his Instagram Story featuring his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s third-place play-off victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Alongside the video, the Chippa United goalkeeper wrote: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying 😂.”
The post came after Nwabali was recalled to the Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The goalkeeper was one of Nigeria’s key performers at AFCON 2025, helping the team defeat Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place match. He saved penalties from both Salah and Marmoush and was named Man of the Match.
His place in the national team later came under pressure after he left Chippa United in February 2026 in search of a new club.
However, the move did not materialise, and his lack of regular competitive football saw him miss subsequent Super Eagles selections.
During that period, Maduka Okoye featured for Nigeria, while Arthur Okonkwo also emerged as another option after receiving FIFA clearance to represent the country.
Okonkwo impressed during the 2026 Unity Cup, keeping clean sheets against Zimbabwe and Jamaica.
Nwabali earns recall
Nwabali’s return to the national team became possible after he rejoined Chippa United in July, five months after leaving the club.
He quickly regained his form, making six saves and keeping a clean sheet against Golden Arrows on his competitive return while also earning the Man of the Match award.
He has continued to play regularly for the South African club, including another six-save performance in a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on September 12.
His return to regular club football helped earn him a place in Eric Chelle’s latest Super Eagles squad.
Nwabali has been selected alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for Nigeria’s September 2027 AFCON qualifying matches.
Nigeria will face Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for another qualifier four days later.
With his return confirmed, Nwabali appears ready to compete for the Super Eagles’ starting goalkeeping spot once again.
