‘I’m back, keep crying’, Nwabali taunts critics on Super Eagles return

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has taken a swipe at his critics following his return to Nigeria’s squad for the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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The Chippa United goalkeeper, who has spent an extended period away from the national team, posted a video on Snapchat featuring his penalty saves against Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s bronze-medal match at AFCON 2025.

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Captioning the video, Nwabali wrote, “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying 😂.”

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The 30-year-old was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament, saving penalties from Salah and Marmoush as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4-2 in the shootout to claim the bronze medal. He was subsequently named Man of the Match.

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His fortunes, however, changed after the tournament as his club situation became uncertain.

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According to Tribal Football, Nwabali left Chippa United in February, with expectations that he would join another club.

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The anticipated transfer did not materialise, leaving the goalkeeper without regular competitive football and eventually costing him his place in the Super Eagles.

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Maduka Okoye subsequently took over as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, starting the team’s June friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

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Okoye’s displays during the matches also fuelled discussions about the competition for the national team’s No. 1 spot.

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Meanwhile, another contender emerged in Arthur Okonkwo, a former Arsenal academy goalkeeper who received his first senior Nigeria call-up after FIFA approved his change of international allegiance.

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Okonkwo made his Super Eagles debut at the 2026 Unity Cup, starting both matches and keeping clean sheets in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe and 3-0 win against Jamaica.

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His performances further intensified the competition among Nigeria’s goalkeepers.

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Nwabali’s return to the national team picture began in July when Chippa United confirmed that he had rejoined the club, five months after leaving.

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The South African club said the goalkeeper had “taken time away” before returning to the Eastern Cape.

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He quickly regained his starting position and marked his return with an impressive performance against Golden Arrows, making six saves and keeping a clean sheet to earn the Man of the Match award.

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His return to regular club football has now paved the way for his Super Eagles recall, with Chelle naming him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for the September qualifiers.

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