“He’s improved so much” – Super Eagles star without a club praised for AFCON showing

After another excellent string of displays at the just concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Stanley Nwabali has received praise from former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, Afrik-Foot reports.

Stanley Nwabali’s growing reputation as Nigeria’s most dependable goalkeeper was further strengthened following another impressive Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.

The Super Eagles number one was once again first choice throughout the 2025 tournament, repeating the role he played two years earlier in Côte d’Ivoire. In doing so, Nwabali became the first Nigerian goalkeeper since Vincent Enyeama to start back-to-back AFCON competitions, matching the former captain’s feat from 2008 and 2010.

Although he did not make his full senior international debut until the age of 27, the 29-year-old has quickly become central to Nigeria’s recent success. Silver medals in 2023 and bronze in 2025 have followed, with Nwabali playing a major role in both runs.

In Morocco, the former Lobi Stars and Chippa United shot-stopper kept four clean sheets in seven matches, the same number he recorded in Côte d’Ivoire. Only Enyeama now boasts more shutouts for Nigeria in AFCON history.

Those performances have drawn special praise from former Nigeria international Daniel Akpeyi. Akpeyi believes Nwabali’s journey highlights remarkable growth and mental strength, especially after the personal losses he endured over the past year.

Super Eagles: What Akpeyi said about Nwabali

Akpeyi, who helped Nigeria secure bronze at the 2019 AFCON, was full of admiration for the current number one’s development and ability to cope with pressure.

“He has improved so much from where he started to where he is now,” Akpeyi told ACLSports.

“There is 100% improvement from his side. As usual, you will have those days when you will be criticised positively and negatively. It is all part of the game. He is one of those goalkeepers in the national team fortunate to go through the challenges and are still there. Others did not survive it, but he is a strong-minded person, and he was able to stand his ground and get all the support he needed. He is still going strong.

“I think we are still looking forward to seeing the best of him in the national team. He has done well so far for the country. He carried the country in the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, as well as the one in Morocco this year. He has proven himself in the national team, and he is enjoying his reward. We look forward to seeing the best of him in the coming years.”

While Nwabali’s international stock continues to rise, his immediate club future remains uncertain. The goalkeeper parted ways with Chippa United earlier this week, just days after returning from AFCON duty.

Links have already emerged with clubs in South Africa, Tanzania and Morocco, and with 34 international caps and two AFCON medals to his name, Nigeria’s first-choice keeper is unlikely to remain without a club for long.