Stanley Nwabali has made it clear that a return to the Super Eagles is not his main concern as he starts a new chapter with Chippa United, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper is back with the Eastern Cape club after spending about six months without competitive football. He has already played two matches in the new Betway Premiership season and is preparing for a third when Chippa United face Orlando Pirates at Kings Park Stadium on Monday.
Nwabali’s immediate target is to help Chippa United collect points and make a strong start to the season. That approach comes at an important time in his international career. Nwabali has been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper for long periods since his breakthrough at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. However, his long spell without a club and the rise of Maduka Okoye have made his position in the Super Eagles team less secure.
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Nwabali puts Chippa United before Super Eagles return
Nwabali’s return to Chippa United follows a difficult period away from the club. After the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, he decided to leave the Chilli Boys in search of a new challenge. The move did not produce the result he wanted, and he spent several months without a club.
His situation changed after talks with Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi. The goalkeeper returned to the Eastern Cape side and quickly took his place in the team. Nwabali says he is happy with the decision.
“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,” Nwabali told SabcSport.
“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.”
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His return has already produced a strong early result. Nwabali kept a clean sheet in Chippa United’s opening match of the 2026-27 campaign and made six saves to earn the Man of the Match award. He now has two league appearances under his belt and wants to build his fitness and form through regular club football. That is why he is not spending his time worrying about the Super Eagles.
“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.”
Nwabali’s position with Nigeria has changed during his absence. He became a national hero at the 2023 AFCON after saving two penalties against South Africa in the semi-final shootout. Nigeria reached the final, and Nwabali’s performances made him a key part of the team.
He also produced important moments at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. He won the Man of the Match award against Egypt after saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as Nigeria secured the bronze medal.
