Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has thrown his support behind Stanley Nwabali, expressing confidence that the shot stopper can regain his place as Nigeria’s first choice goalkeeper following his return to South African Premier Division side Chippa United.
Akpeyi believes Nwabali’s recent absence from the national team was largely due to his lack of regular club football rather than any decline in ability, insisting that the experienced goalkeeper remains one of the country’s finest talents between the posts.
The endorsement comes after Nwabali officially returned to Chippa United, the club where he first established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in South African football before his rise to international prominence with the Super Eagles.
Speaking about the goalkeeper’s situation, Akpeyi explained that regular competitive football is essential for every player hoping to maintain a place in the national team. He stressed that once Nwabali begins playing consistently again, there is every chance he will earn another invitation to the Super Eagles squad.
According to the former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, football is highly competitive, and players must consistently prove themselves at club level to remain in contention for international selection.
Nwabali became a household name during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Côte d’Ivoire in early 2024, where he emerged as one of the tournament’s standout goalkeepers. His commanding displays, confident ball distribution and crucial saves helped Nigeria reach the final, earning widespread praise from football fans and analysts across Africa.
The Chippa United goalkeeper followed that impressive campaign with more solid performances whenever called upon by the Super Eagles, cementing his status as Nigeria’s preferred goalkeeper during an important period for the national team.
However, uncertainty over his club future disrupted his progress.
After leaving Chippa United earlier this year in anticipation of securing a move to Europe, Nwabali found himself without a club when the expected transfer failed to materialise. The lengthy period without competitive football affected his chances of retaining his place in the national team, as Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle opted to work with goalkeepers who were actively playing for their clubs.
During Nwabali’s absence, Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo all received opportunities to impress in Nigeria’s goal during international friendlies and the Unity Cup.
Despite the increased competition, Akpeyi remains convinced that Nwabali possesses the quality and experience required to reclaim the number one shirt.
The veteran goalkeeper noted that every footballer’s career goes through difficult periods, but the most important thing is how players respond to those setbacks. He believes Nwabali’s decision to return to Chippa United offers the ideal platform to rebuild his confidence and rediscover the consistency that made him one of Africa’s most respected goalkeepers.
Returning to familiar surroundings could prove to be a wise career decision for the 29 year old, who enjoyed some of the finest performances of his professional career during his previous spell with the South African club.
At Chippa United, Nwabali is expected to play regularly, giving him the opportunity to regain match sharpness before the new international calendar begins.
The timing could also work in his favour.
Nigeria will resume preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and other crucial international fixtures later this year. Strong performances in the South African Premiership could quickly place Nwabali back in contention for selection as Eric Chelle continues to assess his goalkeeping options.
Competition for the Super Eagles goalkeeping position has become one of the most closely contested areas of the squad.
Maduka Okoye has continued to impress in Europe, Arthur Okonkwo has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising young goalkeepers following impressive displays for Wrexham, while Francis Uzoho remains an experienced option with significant international exposure.
That healthy competition is expected to benefit the national team, ensuring that every goalkeeper must consistently perform at a high level to secure a place in the squad.
Akpeyi’s endorsement carries considerable weight given his own experience representing Nigeria over several years. Having featured in major international tournaments and experienced the pressures of playing for the Super Eagles, he understands what is required to succeed at the highest level.
His belief in Nwabali reflects the confidence many Nigerian football followers still have in the goalkeeper’s abilities.
For Nwabali, the coming months represent an opportunity to write a new chapter in his career. A successful return to Chippa United could restore his confidence, improve his fitness and provide the consistent performances needed to attract the attention of the national team selectors once again.
If he can reproduce the commanding displays that made him one of the standout goalkeepers at the Africa Cup of Nations, his return to the Super Eagles could simply become a matter of time.
With the new South African season approaching and important international fixtures on the horizon, Nwabali now has the perfect opportunity to remind everyone why he once established himself as Nigeria’s undisputed number one goalkeeper. His performances in the months ahead will determine whether he can complete what many believe would be a deserved return to the Super Eagles fold.
