Nwabali Joins Super Eagles Camp Ahead Of Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau Qualifiers

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Stanley Nwabali has linked up with his Super Eagles teammates in Ikot Ekpene, earning a recall after nearly six months without a club.

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Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has joined his Super Eagles teammates in camp ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with his arrival confirmed by Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe. The number of players in camp has now risen to 21, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze still expected to arrive.

A Recall After A Difficult Spell

Nwabali is back in the fold after a lengthy spell out of the squad. The 30 year old last played for Nigeria in January at the 2025 AFCON before losing his place. He terminated his contract with South African side Chippa United in February in search of a move abroad, but no transfer materialised, leaving him without a club for nearly six months. That gap saw him miss Nigeria’s friendlies against Iran and Jordan as well as the Unity Cup in London, with Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo stepping in during his absence.

Back In Form At Chippa United

The former Enyimba and Katsina United goalkeeper has since returned to Chippa United for the 2026/27 season and has already featured in three league matches to regain sharpness, form that has now earned him a recall to Eric Chelle’s squad. He will compete with Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo for the number one jersey.

A Fan Favourite From 2023

Nwabali rose to prominence with standout displays at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, where Nigeria finished runners up, his composure and penalty saving heroics making him a fan favourite and the country’s undisputed first choice goalkeeper at the time.

Group L Campaign Begins

The Super Eagles open their qualifying campaign at home to Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, before facing Guinea Bissau four days later.