Stanley Nwabali returns to Super Eagles: What has changed since AFCON 2025?

Stanley Nwabali is back in the Super Eagles squad after losing his place in Nigeria’s recent teams, Afrik-Foot reports.

Eric Chelle has recalled the Chippa United goalkeeper for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, alongside Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo.

The recall comes after Nwabali regained regular club football and produced a series of strong performances in South Africa.

Stanley Nwabali: From AFCON hero to squad omission

Nwabali was one of Nigeria’s key players at AFCON 2025, with the former Enyimba shot-stopper helping the Super Eagles to a bronze medal.

He started the third-place play-off against Egypt in Casablanca after making five saves in the semi-final defeat by Morocco.

The Egypt game went to penalties after a 0-0 draw. Nwabali saved efforts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as Nigeria won the shoot-out 4-2 to finish in third place. He was even named Man of the Match.

His fortunes, however, changed after the tournament. Nwabali left Chippa United shortly after the AFCON and was without club football for several weeks.

With the AFCON 2023 silver medalist unattached, Chelle left him out of Nigeria’s squads for the March friendlies against Iran and Jordan, the Unity Cup and the June games against Poland and Portugal.

Regular football changes his case

Interestingly, Stanley Nwabali returned to Chippa United after a period away from the club and has started all six league matches this season. He has conceded six goals, made 23 saves and kept two clean sheets.

His strongest displays came against Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns. He made six saves in the 0-0 draw with Golden Arrows and another six as Chippa drew 1-1 with Sundowns on September 12.

That run has given Chelle a fresh reason to recall him as part of the 24-man selection for the September qualifiers.

Three goalkeepers, one shirt

Nwabali’s recall does not guarantee a return to the starting XI.

Okoye is playing regularly for Udinese in Serie A, while Okonkwo has started all six of Charlton Athletic’s Championship matches this season.

Okonkwo has kept three clean sheets and conceded six goals, while Okoye has started all four of Udinese’s league games. Chelle therefore has three goalkeepers with regular competitive football behind them.

Nwabali has the advantage of tournament experience and a proven record in high-pressure matches. His penalty saves against Egypt also showed his ability to deliver when the stakes are high.

Okoye brings Serie A experience, while Okonkwo has impressed during his first sustained run of Championship football.

Can Stanley Nwabali win back the No.1 shirt?

Nwabali’s recall puts him back in contention, but Chelle must still decide who starts against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25. Nigeria will then face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Nwabali’s case is stronger than it was several months ago because he is playing every week again. His six starts for Chippa have given him match rhythm, while his AFCON experience gives him a history of performing under pressure.

However, the competition has become stronger. Okoye is Nigeria’s highest-rated goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues. Okonkwo is playing every week in the Championship. All three now have a genuine claim to the position.

Chelle’s decision to recall Nwabali has therefore reopened a goalkeeper battle that looked settled after AFCON 2025.

The next step is deciding whether the man who saved Nigeria against Egypt can win back the shirt.