Stanley Nwabali is back in the Super Eagles squad! 🇳🇬🧤
Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has earned a return to the national team after several months away, with head coach Éric Chelle recalling the Chippa United goalkeeper for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Nwabali’s return comes after he last represented the Super Eagles in January 2026, when Nigeria defeated Egypt on penalties in the third-place play-off at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His recall has generated excitement among Nigerian football supporters, particularly after the goalkeeper played an important role in the Super Eagles’ recent AFCON campaign.
According to the squad announced for the upcoming qualifiers, Nwabali will compete with Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo for the goalkeeping position.
Nwabali Back in the Super Eagles Picture
The 30-year-old goalkeeper became one of the most recognisable figures in the Nigerian national team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and continued as one of Nigeria’s leading goalkeeping options at AFCON 2025.
His absence from the national team in recent months was largely linked to his club situation. Nwabali left Chippa United in February 2026 following a mutual agreement and subsequently spent several months away from competitive football.
In July, however, Chippa United confirmed that the Nigerian international had returned to the club ahead of the new season. His return to regular football gave him an opportunity to rebuild his match fitness and put himself back in contention for the national team.
Nwabali subsequently returned to competitive action for Chippa United, strengthening his case for a recall to the Super Eagles.
A Familiar Face Between the Posts
Nwabali was one of Nigeria’s standout performers during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
In the third-place play-off against Egypt on January 17, 2026, the goalkeeper played a decisive role in Nigeria’s penalty shootout victory. The match ended 0-0 after regulation time before the Super Eagles won the shootout 4-2.
Nwabali saved penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, helping Nigeria secure the bronze medal. CAF subsequently named him Player of the Match for his performance.
His return therefore gives Chelle another experienced option as Nigeria begins preparations for the next AFCON qualifying campaign.
Nigeria’s Upcoming AFCON Qualifiers
The Super Eagles are set to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with two important fixtures.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25, 2026. Four days later, the Super Eagles will travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Chelle’s 24-man squad includes several of Nigeria’s established stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.
The squad also includes three goalkeepers: Nwabali, Okoye and Okonkwo.
Nwabali’s inclusion means the competition for the goalkeeper’s shirt will be closely watched as the Super Eagles begin another qualification journey.
The Battle for Nigeria’s No. 1 Shirt
While Nwabali has established himself as an important figure for Nigeria in recent major tournaments, his return does not automatically guarantee that he will start every match.
Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo are also part of the squad and will provide competition for the position.
For Chelle, having several goalkeeping options gives the coach an opportunity to assess the players ahead of a demanding international schedule.
For Nwabali, meanwhile, the recall represents an important step following a period in which his club career was disrupted.
His return to Chippa United and subsequent return to the Super Eagles setup have brought the goalkeeper back into the national-team conversation.
Nwabali Also Included for Russia Friendly
Nwabali’s return extends beyond the September AFCON qualifiers.
The goalkeeper has also been included in Nigeria’s squad for the international friendly against Russia, scheduled for October 6 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The squad for the Russia friendly is separate from the team selected for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau qualifiers, with Chelle making several changes and giving opportunities to a number of less-established players. Nwabali remains one of the experienced players included in the group.
Welcome Back, Nwabali 👑🧤
For Super Eagles supporters, seeing Stanley Nwabali back in the national team setup will be a welcome development.
The goalkeeper now has an opportunity to compete for his place and demonstrate his readiness on the international stage once again.
Whether he starts against Madagascar or Guinea-Bissau will ultimately be decided by Éric Chelle, but his inclusion confirms that the door to the Super Eagles has reopened.
After months away, the Number One is back. 🇳🇬🦅
And with Nigeria beginning another AFCON qualification campaign, all eyes will be on Nwabali and the rest of the Super Eagles as they begin the road toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Welcome back, Stanley Nwabali! 👑🇳🇬🧤