Stanley Nwabali has joined Nigeria’s training camp in Ikot Ikpene ahead of the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The goalkeeper’s arrival was confirmed by Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, taking the number of players in camp to 21. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze are still expected to report.
Nwabali has been recalled by head coach Eric Chelle after a lengthy absence from the national team. The 30-year-old last played for Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON in January before losing his place in the squad.
He ended his contract with South African club Chippa United in February in an attempt to secure a move abroad, but no transfer was completed. As a result, Nwabali was without a club for almost six months and missed Nigeria’s friendlies against Iran and Jordan, as well as the Unity Cup in London.
Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo were selected in his absence.
Nwabali has since returned to Chippa United for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season and has played in three league matches. His return to competitive football has helped him regain match fitness and earned him a place in Chelle’s 24-man squad.
He will compete with Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo for the starting position.
Nwabali first became a prominent figure for Nigeria during the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles finished runners-up. His calmness, authority and penalty-saving performances made him a popular figure among supporters and established him as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He now has the opportunity to rebuild his international career as Nigeria begin their Group L campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25. The Super Eagles will then play Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The 21 players currently in camp are Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Uzor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka and Stanley Nwabali.