Former Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has backed Stanley Nwabali to regain his place in the Nigeria national team following his return to South African club Chippa United.
According to a Soccernet report published on July 18, 2026, Nwabali became Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the Super Eagles reach the final. He retained the role at the 2025 AFCON, where Nigeria finished third.
The 30-year-old has not played for the Super Eagles since leaving Chippa United earlier this year after both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Despite reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Morocco, he remained without a club for months, allowing Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo to compete for the number one spot.
Speaking to FARPost, Akpeyi praised Nwabali’s performances for Nigeria, saying, “He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places.”
He added, “I know he will manage to get back his form and earn the trust of the coaches… I wouldn’t be surprised if he was Nigeria’s No. 1 in the next few games.”
Nwabali will look to impress during the 2026–27 South African Premiership season, which begins on August 1, as he targets a return to Eric Chelle’s squad ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
