Stanley Nwabali has marked his return to the Super Eagles squad with a cryptic message on social media after several months away from international football.
The Chippa United goalkeeper shared a video from Nigeria’s bronze-medal victory over Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting his penalty saves against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmo
Nwabali captioned the Snapchat post: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying 😂.”
Nwabali returns after long absence
The 30-year-old was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the AFCON 2025 campaign and produced one of his biggest performances in the tournament’s third-place playoff.
After the match against Egypt ended 1-1 in regulation time, Nwabali saved penalties from Salah and Marmoush as Nigeria won the shootout 4-2 to claim the bronze medal. He was also named Man of the Match.
However, his international fortunes changed after the tournament. Nwabali left Chippa United in February but did not secure a move to another club, leaving him without competitive football for several months.
His absence gave Maduka Okoye an opportunity to establish himself in goal for the Super Eagles. The Udinese goalkeeper started Nigeria’s June friendlies against Poland and Portugal, leading to discussions over whether he had become Eric Chelle’s preferred option.
Nwabali previously responded to questions about his absence while watching Nigeria’s match against Portugal.
“It’s not everybody that will keep. A lot of players need to play also,” he said.
Competition for Nigeria’s number one spot
The goalkeeper also faces competition from Arthur Okonkwo, who received his first senior call-up after FIFA approved his switch of allegiance.
Okonkwo made his Nigeria debut during the 2026 Unity Cup, starting against Zimbabwe and Jamaica. He kept clean sheets in both matches as the Super Eagles recorded 2-0 and 3-0 victories respectively.
Nwabali’s route back into the national team began in July when Chippa United confirmed his return, five months after his departure. The club said the goalkeeper had “taken time away” before rejoining the team.
He quickly regained his starting place and returned to competitive action. Nwabali also made an immediate impression, earning Man of the Match recognition after recording six saves and keeping a clean sheet against Golden Arrows.
His return to regular club football eventually earned him another opportunity with Nigeria.
Chelle selected Nwabali alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for the Super Eagles’ September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.