Former Nigeria international Williams Okpara has thrown his support behind Stanley Nwabali, urging the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper to remain focused at Chippa United, insisting that his club status should not define his national team credentials, Footynaija.com reports.
Nwabali rose to prominence during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a crucial role in helping Nigeria reach the final.
Since then, he has retained the No.1 jersey under coaches Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen and Eric Chelle, featuring in key matches during the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Despite stiff competition from Europe-based goalkeepers Maduka Okoye of Udinese and Francis Uzoho of Cyprus, Nwabali continues to enjoy the trust of the Super Eagles technical team.
The 28-year-old has featured in 18 of Nigeria’s last 20 matches, all while playing for South African side Chippa United.
Where your leg can kick the ball to, my hand go run am. #Nwabali #SafeHands #SuperEagles pic.twitter.com/BMGOKHqS7p
— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) November 12, 2024
Speculation around a possible move away from Chippa has intensified, with names like Serge Obassa and Simon Omossola tipped as potential replacements. However, Okpara has advised Nwabali to stay grounded and not let transfer talk affect his performances.
“I believe he is happy where he is and no one has offered him better than what he is getting at Chippa,” said Orlando Pirates legend Okpara as per Kickoff. “If he is being treated well at Chippa, and he is happy there, then that is what matters.
“He is performing at Chippa good enough to be recognized in Nigeria, so it shows how good he is. Any club that wants him will have to buy him for whatever money his club wants.”
Stanley Nwabali’s confidence in goal is mind blowing pic.twitter.com/YFpRUGjvm8
— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) May 16, 2024
Okpara, who also spent his entire playing career in South Africa, dismissed the notion that a player must be based in Europe to be successful internationally.
“You don’t have to rate a player based on the club that he is playing for,” he said. “Whether he plays for Chippa or Real Madrid makes no difference if he is performing for the Super Eagles.
“Stanley is earning a living at Chippa because that is where he has a contract, and we need to respect that.”
Born in Port Harcourt in 1996, Nwabali began his professional career with Go Round before spells at Enyimba, Lobi Stars, and Katsina United.
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He joined Chippa United in 2022 and earned his first cap for Nigeria in 2021. At AFCON 2023, he was named Man of the Match against South Africa after saving two penalties in the semi-final shootout.
