Stanley Nwabali has joined his Super Eagles teammates in Ikot Ikpene ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Nwabali’s arrival was confirmed by the Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe. The number of players currently in camp has now risen to 21 with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze still expected.
Nwabali is back in the national team setup after a long spell on the sidelines that cost him his place. Head Coach Éric Chelle recalled the 30-year-old for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Nwabali last featured for the Super Eagles in January at the 2025 AFCON before falling out of contention.
The shot-stopper terminated his contract with South African side Chippa United in February to pursue a move abroad, but a transfer failed to materialise. The move left him clubless for nearly six months, a period that saw him miss Nigeria’s friendlies against Iran and Jordan and the Unity Cup in London, with Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo taking his place.
Also Read: ‘I’m Not Worried’ —Nwabali Calm Over Super Eagles Goalkeeping Competition The former Enyimba and Katsina United keeper has since returned to Chippa United for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, and has already featured in three league games to regain match sharpness. His return to competitive action has now been rewarded with a recall. Chelle named him in a 24-man list alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen.
Nwabali will compete with Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo for the No.1 jersey. The goalkeeper rose to prominence with his outstanding displays at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where Nigeria finished as runners-up. His composure, commanding presence and penalty-saving heroics made him a fan