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Akpeyi Backs Nwabali To Make Eagles Return

Former Nigerian international Daniel Akpeyi has backed Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for a recall to the national team following his return to competitive club football.
Recall that Nwabali recently finalized a return to South African side Chippa United after about five months without competitive club football.

 

Nwabali Rejoins Chippa United

Akpeyi expressed that regaining his spot at Chippa United will allow Nwabali to remain match-fit and continue serving as Nigeria’s number-one choice.

He noted that returning to active club duties is crucial, as the Super Eagles will soon need him to be game-fit for upcoming FIFA windows and qualifiers.

Akpeyi Backs Nwabali For Eagles Recall

In a chat with FARPost, Akpeyi believes Nwabali’s patience in looking for the right club was justified, as a goalkeeper of his pedigree deserves a move to a bigger, more stable side.

“He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles. 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 would not be surprised if he was Nigeria’s number one in the next few games.

“When you are not attached to any team, it is obvious you will not get invited to the national team. Even when you are not playing regularly, it is 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 to play and remind people what he can do,” Akpeyi said.

https://www.completesports.com/akpeyi-backs-nwabali-to-make-eagles-return/

 

While initial media speculation suggested Nwabali was holding out for a high-profile European or big-money transfer after his stellar continental performances for Nigeria, his representative, Mohammed Lawal, revealed the deeply personal reason for his absence.

Within a span of 18 months, Nwabali tragically lost his grandmother and both parents. The resulting emotional weight and mental health strain prompted a mutual termination of his Chippa United contract in February 2026. Taking a step back from the game allowed him time to grieve and clear his head, avoiding burnout or risking his on-field form.

 He will have to actively fight to win back his automatic starting place at Chippa United from 31-year-old goalkeeper Dumsani Msibi, who performed strongly in his absence.

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