Super Eagles: Why Nigeria return is not a priority for Stanley Nwabali

Stanley Nwabali has made it clear that returning to the Super Eagles is not currently a priority, with the Nigerian goalkeeper instead focused on rebuilding his club career after returning to Chippa United, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nwabali has reclaimed his place with the South African side after spending six months away from competitive football, and he has already featured in three PSL games this season.

The 30-year-old’s return comes at an important stage of his career. After establishing himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the Super Eagles’ impressive run at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nwabali’s absence from the national team has opened the door for competition.

However, rather than making his return to Nigeria’s squad his immediate priority, Nwabali insists his attention is firmly on Chippa United.

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Stanley Nwabali reveals why Super Eagles return can wait

Speaking to SABC Sport, Nwabali played down concerns about his international future and said his primary objective is to help Chippa United make a strong start to the new campaign.

“I’m not really worried about that one, I’m only focused on helping my club pick up as many points as possible.

“So for now I’m not too worried about the National team,” the one-time NPFL Champion said.

It is a notable stance from a goalkeeper who had been Nigeria’s undisputed first choice over the past two years.

Nwabali was a key figure in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON 2023 final and subsequently remained an important part of the Super Eagles squad, but his decision to leave Chilli Boys after the 2025 AFCON in Morocco left him without regular competitive football for several months.

That period away from the pitch inevitably changed the goalkeeping picture around the national team, with Maduka Okoye getting opportunities in his absence.

After leaving the Eastern Cape outfit following the AFCON, the goalkeeper spent six months on the sidelines before holding discussions with chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi that paved the way for his return.

The Nigerian says the relationship between both parties is now in a good place.

“I feel positive coming back to the club, not just for me but also for the team. The relationship and the agreement is all good. I just want the team to succeed this season,” he said.

That renewed relationship appears to have given Nwabali the environment he needs to restart his career after a difficult spell.

Rather than looking too far ahead, the goalkeeper is concentrating on helping Chippa collect points and establish themselves early in the campaign.

His return has already produced encouraging signs. Nwabali was named Man of the Match after making six saves and keeping a clean sheet in Chippa’s goalless draw against Golden Arrows in the opening game of the season. However, subsequent appearances against Richards Bay and Orlando Pirates have raised eyebrows.

Now back playing regularly, Nwabali says his return to Chippa has been an emotional one.

“Coming back to this club feels like I’m coming back to my family and my home, and I’m really happy to be back on the pitch, doing what I love,” he said.

He also faces competition for the starting position, with former South African junior international goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi pushing for a place in the team.

Rather than viewing that competition negatively, Nwabali appears ready to embrace it as part of his return.

What Nwabali’s return means for the Super Eagles

While Nwabali says the national team is not his immediate concern, his performances at Chippa will inevitably have implications for Nigeria.

The Super Eagles’ goalkeeping position has become more competitive during his absence, with Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo both receiving opportunities.

That means Nwabali cannot simply assume that his previous status guarantees an automatic return to the starting XI. His best route back is what he says he is concentrating on: playing regularly, performing well and helping Chippa United succeed.