Stanley Nwabali has wasted little time reminding his critics of his penalty-saving heroics after earning a recall to the Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Chippa United goalkeeper took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday to share footage of his saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 third-place playoff victory.
Nwabali accompanied the video with a provocative caption: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying“
The goalkeeper played a decisive role in Nigeria’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt, saving attempts from Salah and Marmoush. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
His return to the national team comes after a period away from regular international football. Nwabali left Chippa United in February 2026 in search of a new club, but the expected transfer did not materialise.
Without regular competitive football, he subsequently missed Nigeria’s later squads as Maduka Okoye featured between the posts, while Arthur Okonkwo emerged as another option after receiving approval to represent Nigeria.
Okonkwo also impressed during the 2026 Unity Cup, keeping clean sheets against Zimbabwe and Jamaica and strengthening his claim for a place in the senior team.
Nwabali’s fortunes changed in July when Chippa United confirmed his return, five months after his departure. He marked his competitive comeback against Golden Arrows with six saves and a clean sheet, earning another Man of the Match award.
He has since remained a regular for the South African club and produced another six-save performance in Chippa United’s 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on September 12.
His return to consistent club football helped pave the way for his Super Eagles recall, with head coach Eric Chelle selecting him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures. CAF confirmed Nwabali’s return as part of Chelle’s 24-man squad.
Nigeria will begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Nwabali’s recall gives Chelle three goalkeeping options as the Super Eagles begin their campaign for a place at the 2027 continental championship.
