Former Nigerian international Daniel Akpeyi has thrown his support behind Stanley Nwabali for a recall to the Super Eagles, now that the goalkeeper has returned to competitive club football after roughly five months without a club.

Akpeyi said regaining a first-team spot at Chippa United will allow Nwabali to stay match-fit and continue serving as one of Nigeria’s leading goalkeeping options, adding that returning to regular action matters given the Super Eagles will need him sharp for upcoming FIFA windows and qualifiers.

Speaking to South African outlet FARPost, Akpeyi said he believed Nwabali’s patience in searching for the right club had been justified, given the goalkeeper’s pedigree. He praised Nwabali’s consistency for Nigeria in the past, saying simply, “he has taken them to places.” Akpeyi added that form can shift quickly in football, and that once Nwabali rebuilds his sharpness and regains the coaching staff’s trust, he would not be surprised to see him reclaim the number one jersey within a few matches.

He also explained the practical side of Nwabali’s decision to return to Chippa United, the club where he first made his name in South Africa, noting that players without a club rarely get international call-ups, and that regular football again gives Nwabali a platform to remind people what he can do.