Keep Crying, Nwabali Fires Back At Critics After Super Eagles Return

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has hit back at his critics after returning to the Nigeria squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nwabali took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday, posting a video of his penalty saves against Egypt at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where Nigeria secured the bronze medal after winning the third-place play-off on penalties.

The Chippa United goalkeeper saved spot-kicks from Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during the tournament, further enhancing his reputation as Nigeria’s penalty specialist.

Alongside the video of his saves, Nwabali posted a pointed message: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying.”
The post appeared to be directed at those who had criticised his absence from the national team in recent months, following a difficult spell in his club career.

Nwabali’s position with the Super Eagles came under pressure after he abruptly left Chippa United in February 2026 in search of a new challenge.

However, the goalkeeper subsequently failed to secure another club and was left without regular competitive football. His inactivity eventually affected his standing with the national team, with head coach Éric Chelle preferring Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

Arthur Okonkwo also emerged as another option for Chelle after receiving FIFA approval to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria and earning his first senior call-up.

Nwabali, who played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and remained one of the team’s standout performers at the 2025 tournament, was consequently left out of subsequent selections as Chelle assessed his goalkeeping options.

His return to the squad comes as Nigeria begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with the Super Eagles facing Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau.

The 29-year-old is now back in contention for a starting role, alongside Okoye and Okonkwo, as Chelle looks to establish his preferred goalkeeping hierarchy for the qualifiers.

Nwabali’s latest social-media post has added another layer of intrigue to the competition for the No. 1 shirt, particularly after his impressive penalty-saving record with the national team.

With the Super Eagles set to begin their qualifying campaign, the Chippa United goalkeeper will have the opportunity to answer his critics on the pitch as he seeks to reclaim his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.