Former Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has explained how Stanley Nwabali’s return to Chippa United could pave the way for a return to the national team, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwabali established himself as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where his impressive performances helped the Super Eagles reach the final, before they were defeated by Ivory Coast to finish second.
The 30-year-old remained Nigeria's number one until the end of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he once again produced several outstanding displays to help the Super Eagles secure a record-extending ninth bronze medal.
However, he has not featured for the national team since leaving Chippa United in February after both parties agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
After spending months without a club despite attracting interest from teams in Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Morocco, Nwabali has now returned to Chippa United as he looks to get his career back on track.
Akpeyi reacts to Nwabali's return to Chippa United
Nwabali had been Eric Chelle's first-choice goalkeeper before falling out of the national team setup because he was without a club.
During his absence, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo and Maduka Okoye have all featured for the Super Eagles, increasing the competition for the number one shirt.
Despite that competition, Akpeyi believes Nwabali's return to club football is the first and most important step towards earning another Super Eagles call-up. He also believes the goalkeeper's previous performances for Nigeria could help him reclaim his place.
“He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles”, the former Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper told FARPost.
“A lot can change in a season. Football is so fluid. I know he will manage to get back his form and earn the trust of the coaches, then he will rise again quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if he was [Nigeria's No. 1] in the next few games.”
Why Nwabali lost his place in the national team
The 30-year-old had been without competitive football since leaving Chippa United earlier this year. As a result, he has missed several games including the victorious 2026 Unity Cup campaign and subsequent friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Akpeyi believes the Nwabali’s lack of regular club football was the main reason he dropped out of the Super Eagles squad.
“When you're not attached to any team, it's obvious you won't get invited to the national team. Even when you're not playing regularly, it's very difficult to get a call-up.”
The key step towards a Super Eagles return
With his return to Chippa United now complete, Nwabali has put himself back in contention for a place in Chelle's squad.
Akpeyi believes joining a club was the crucial first step, but believes the goalkeeper must now rediscover his best form if he wants to win back the trust of the Super Eagles coach and reclaim the number one shirt.
“He needs to revive himself. But it has started with first getting a team, as it gives him an opportunity to be recalled to the national team.
“So this could be one of the reasons why he decided to come back home to Chippa United, where he started. At least there, he will get the platform to play and remind people what he can do”, Akpeyi concluded.
Nwabali will now be hoping to play a major role for Chippa United during the 2026–27 South African Premiership season, which begins on August 1.
The 30-year-old will also be aiming to return to top form in time for Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to begin in September.
