Nwabali Puts Super Eagles Goalkeeper Battle Aside, Focuses on Chippa United

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has played down the battle for Nigeria’s number-one jersey, insisting his immediate priority is helping Chippa United enjoy a successful 2026/27 season.

Nwabali, 31, returned to the South African club last month after leaving in February and spending about six months without competitive football.

The goalkeeper made an impressive return to action, keeping a clean sheet in Chippa United’s opening Betway Premiership fixture and making six saves to earn the Man of the Match award.

He subsequently featured in another league game as he continued his comeback.

“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 SABC Sport.

“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.”

During his absence from competitive football, Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo shared goalkeeping responsibilities for the Super Eagles.

However, Nwabali insists reclaiming his position with the national team is not currently occupying his thoughts.

“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,” he said.

Nwabali’s latest appearance for Chippa United ended in disappointment, however, as Orlando Pirates recorded a 3-0 victory at Kings Park Stadium to move top of the Betway Premiership table on goal difference after three matches.

Despite the defeat, Nwabali remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent goalkeepers in recent years.

He rose to international prominence during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he saved two penalties against South Africa in the semi-final shootout to help Nigeria reach the final.

He further enhanced his reputation at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, winning the Man of the Match award against Egypt after saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as Nigeria secured the bronze medal.

The Super Eagles will return to action in September when they host Madagascar in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The fixture could provide an early indication of head coach Eric Chelle’s preferred goalkeeping option, with Nwabali, Okoye and Okonkwo all competing for a place in the national team.

For now, however, Nwabali remains focused on rebuilding his club career and helping Chippa United collect points as he begins a new chapter back in the Eastern Cape.