Stanley Nwabali puts Super Eagles recall aside after Chippa return

Stanley Nwabali, 31, has made a strong return to Chippa United after spending about six months without competitive football. The Nigeria goalkeeper has already played two matches in the new Betway Premiership season and is preparing to face Orlando Pirates at Kings Park Stadium on Monday.

Nwabali says a Super Eagles recall is not currently driving him. His immediate priority is to help Chippa collect points, regain his rhythm and establish himself during his second spell with the Eastern Cape club.

The goalkeeper left Chippa after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco to pursue another opportunity. That move did not work out as planned, leaving him without a club for several months before discussions with chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi led to his return.

Nwabali has described the reunion positively and said he feels at home at the club. His comeback began with a clean sheet, six saves and a Man of the Match award in Chippa’s opening fixture of the 2026-27 campaign. He is now looking to build fitness and form through regular league football rather than concentrate on Nigeria selection.

His place in the Super Eagles has become less secure after his absence and the emergence of Maduka Okoye. Nwabali had been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper for long spells since the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where he became prominent after saving two penalties in the semi-final shootout against South Africa.

He also played a key role at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, earning the Man of the Match award against Egypt after stopping penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Nigeria went on to claim the bronze medal, but Nwabali’s current approach is to let his performances for Chippa shape what comes next.