Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has thrown his support behind Stanley Nwabali, insisting the Chippa United shot stopper remains Nigeria’s best option despite spending months without a club, Footynaija.com reports.
Nwabali recently returned to South African side Chippa United after stepping away from the club earlier this year following a difficult period in his personal life. His absence from club football raised questions over whether he could hold on to his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper under Eric Chelle, especially with Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye also in contention.
However, Akpeyi believes those concerns are misplaced.
Speaking to FARPost, the former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper described Nwabali’s performances for the Super Eagles as outstanding and backed him to quickly force his way back into the starting line-up.
“He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles,” Akpeyi said.
The 38-year-old also believes Nwabali’s return to Chippa United gives him the perfect platform to rebuild his career after six months without competitive football.
“A lot can change in a season. Football is so fluid. I know he will manage to get back his form and earn the trust of the coaches, then he will rise again quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was Nigeria’s No.1 in the next few games,” he added.
Nwabali established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper after his impressive displays at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his penalty saves helped the Super Eagles reach the final. He remained Eric Chelle’s preferred goalkeeper during the latter stages of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign before taking time away from football.
He left. He came back. Some love stories never end. 🧤🇳🇬
Stanley Nwabali returns to Chippa United just six months after parting ways with the club. The Nigerian goalkeeper is back where it all clicked for him.
Akpeyi acknowledged that being without a club naturally affects a player’s international prospects but believes the situation has now changed.
“When you’re not attached to any team, it’s obvious you won’t get invited to the national team. Even when you’re not playing regularly, it’s very difficult to get a call-up.
“He needs to revive himself. But it has started with first getting a team, as it gives him an opportunity to be recalled to the national team. So this could be one of the reasons why he decided to come back home to Chippa United, where he started. At least there, he will get the platform yto play and remind people what he can do.”
