Ex-goalkeeper backs Nwabali for Super Eagles recall

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has expressed confidence that Stanley Nwabali's recent move back to South African club Chippa United could pave the way for his return to the Nigerian national team. Akpeyi attributes Nwabali's previous absence from the squad to a lack of regular club football, rather than any dip in his goalkeeping abilities.

“

He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles.

Nwabali established himself as Nigeria's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, playing a crucial role in guiding the Super Eagles to the final. He continued his stellar performances through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where his contributions helped Nigeria clinch a record-extending ninth bronze medal. However, since mutually parting ways with Chippa United in February, Nwabali has been sidelined from national team duty, missing Nigeria's victorious 2026 Unity Cup campaign and subsequent friendlies.

“

A lot can change in a season. Football is so fluid. I know he will manage to get back his form and earn the trust of the coaches, then he will rise again quickly. I would not be surprised if he was Nigeria’s number one in the next few games.

"He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles," Akpeyi told FARPost. He emphasized that Nwabali's proven quality should secure his place once he regains consistent playing time. "A lot can change in a season. Football is so fluid. I know he will manage to get back his form and earn the trust of the coaches, then he will rise again quickly. I would not be surprised if he was Nigeria’s number one in the next few games," Akpeyi added.

“

When you are not attached to any team, it is obvious you will not get invited to the national team. Even when you are not playing regularly, it is very difficult to get a call-up.

Akpeyi further explained that Nwabali's exclusion was a direct consequence of being unattached to a club. "When you are not attached to any team, it is obvious you will not get invited to the national team. Even when you are not playing regularly, it is very difficult to get a call-up," he stated. Nwabali's decision to return to Chippa United, where his career began, is seen by Akpeyi as a strategic move to revive his form and earn a recall. "At least there, he will get the platform to play and remind people what he can do," Akpeyi concluded. Nwabali aims to solidify his position at Chippa United as the 2026/27 South African Premiership season kicks off in August, with an eye on regaining peak form ahead of Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches in September.

“

He needs to revive himself. But it has started with first getting a team, as it gives him an opportunity to be recalled to the national team. So this could be one of the reasons why he decided to come back home to Chippa United, where he started. At least there, he will get the platform to play and remind people what he can do.