By Adegboyega Adeleye
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has taunted his critics after returning to Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nwabali posted a video on his Instagram Story on Tuesday showing his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s third-place play-off victory at AFCON 2025.
The Chippa United goalkeeper captioned the video: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying .”
Nwabali was one of Nigeria’s standout performers as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal, with the goalkeeper saving efforts from Salah and Marmoush. He was subsequently named Man of the Match.
His international fortunes changed after the tournament when he left Chippa United in February 2026 in search of a new club.
However, the anticipated move did not materialise, leaving Nwabali without regular competitive football and out of Nigeria’s subsequent squads.
Maduka Okoye subsequently featured for the Super Eagles, while Arthur Okonkwo also emerged as a contender after receiving his first senior Nigeria call-up following FIFA approval of his change of international allegiance.
Okonkwo impressed during the 2026 Unity Cup, keeping clean sheets in Nigeria’s victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica.
Nwabali’s prospective return to the national team began in July when Chippa United confirmed that he had rejoined the club five months after his departure. The South African side said the goalkeeper had “taken time away” before returning to the Eastern Cape and marked his competitive return against Golden Arrows with six saves and a clean sheet, earning the Man of the Match award.
Nwabali has since continued to feature regularly for Chippa United, including a six-save display in the club’s 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns on September 12.
His return to regular club football paved the way for his Super Eagles recall, with head coach Eric Chelle naming him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for Nigeria’s September AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
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