Stanley Nwabali has wasted no time responding to his critics after earning a return to the Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Chippa United goalkeeper celebrated his recall by sharing a Snapchat video highlighting his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s bronze-medal match at the 2025 AFCON.
Nwabali captioned the video with a pointed message to his critics, writing: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying ?.”
The 30-year-old was one of Nigeria’s key 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.
His situation changed considerably after the tournament, however, as uncertainty surrounding his club future affected his availability for Nigeria.
According to Tribal Football, Nwabali left Chippa United in February with the expectation that he would secure a move elsewhere, but the proposed transfer failed to materialise.
The lack of regular competitive football eventually saw him lose his place in the Super Eagles, with Maduka Okoye stepping in as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper for the June international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
https://twitter.com/NwabaliBobo/status/2102775199095558570
— (@NwabaliBobo) December 6, 2017
?s=20
Okoye's performances during those matches added another dimension to the competition for Nigeria's goalkeeping position.
Arthur Okonkwo also entered the picture after the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper received his first senior call-up following FIFA approval of his international switch to Nigeria.
Okonkwo subsequently made his Super Eagles debut at the 2026 Unity Cup, starting both matches and keeping clean sheets in victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica.
Nwabali's route back into the national team began in July when Chippa United confirmed his return to the club, five months after his departure.
The South African club said the goalkeeper had “taken time away” before returning to the Eastern Cape, where he quickly reclaimed his starting position.
He marked his comeback with an impressive display against Golden Arrows, making six saves and keeping a clean sheet to earn the Man of the Match award.
His return to regular club football has now helped him regain his place in the Super Eagles setup, with head coach Eric Chelle naming him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for the September AFCON qualifiers.
Nwabali will now have another opportunity to compete for the No. 1 shirt as Nigeria begin their qualification campaign against Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau.