Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has responded to his critics after returning to the Nigeria squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In a post on his Instagram Story, Nwabali shared a video of his penalty saves against Egypt at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Nigeria secured the bronze medal after winning the third-place play-off on penalties. The Chippa United goalkeeper saved spot-kicks from Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Nwabali's post included a pointed message: "I'm back, it's time to keep crying." The message appeared to be directed at those who had criticised his absence from the national team in recent months. His position with the Super Eagles came under pressure after he abruptly left Chippa United in February 2026 in search of a new challenge. However, Nwabali failed to secure another club and was left without regular competitive football.
Nwabali's inactivity eventually affected his standing with the national team, with head coach Éric Chelle preferring Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Arthur Okonkwo also emerged as another option for Chelle after receiving FIFA approval to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria and earning his first senior call-up. Nwabali played a key role in Nigeria's run to the 2023 AFCON final and remained one of the team's standout performers at the 2025 tournament.
Nwabali's return to the squad comes as Nigeria begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles face Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau. The 29-year-old is now back in contention for a starting role, alongside Okoye and Okonkwo. Chelle will look to establish his preferred goalkeeping hierarchy for the qualifiers.
Nwabali's latest social-media post has added another layer of intrigue to the competition for the No. 1 shirt. His impressive penalty-saving record with the national team has raised expectations. With the Super Eagles set to begin their qualifying campaign, Nwabali will have the opportunity to answer his critics on the pitch.
Nwabali's performance at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco further enhanced his reputation as Nigeria's penalty specialist. His saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were crucial in Nigeria's bronze medal win. The Chippa United goalkeeper's return to the squad is expected to intensify the competition for the goalkeeper position.
The competition for the No. 1 shirt is expected to be fierce, with Okoye and Okonkwo also in contention. Chelle will have to make a difficult decision on who will start in goal for the Super Eagles. Nwabali's determination to reclaim his place as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper is clear, and the upcoming qualifiers will be a crucial test of his abilities.
Key points
- Stanley Nwabali has responded to his critics after returning to the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Nwabali's return to the squad has intensified the competition for the goalkeeper position, with Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo also in contention.
- The Super Eagles will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau.
