It’s Time To Keep Crying — Nwabali Fires Back At Critics After Super Eagles Recall

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has taken a swipe at his critics after earning a recall to Nigeria’s squad for the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nwabali appeared to respond to his detractors through a post on Snapchat shortly after his return to the national team fold. The Chippa United goalkeeper shared a video highlighting his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s third-place play-off at the 2025 AFCON.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Nwabali accompanied the video with the caption, “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying,” in what appeared to be a message directed at those who had criticised him during his absence from the Super Eagles.

Nwabali played a decisive role in Nigeria’s penalty shootout victory over Egypt after the encounter ended goalless. He saved spot-kicks from Salah and Marmoush as the Super Eagles secured a 4-2 victory on penalties, with the goalkeeper subsequently named Man of the Match.

His position with the national team, however, became uncertain following the tournament, particularly after his club situation affected his availability for regular competitive football.

Nwabali had left Chippa United in February with expectations of securing a move elsewhere, but the anticipated transfer did not materialise. His lack of regular club football subsequently contributed to his omission from the Super Eagles, while Maduka Okoye emerged as one of the leading options in goal.

Okoye featured in Nigeria’s June international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, further intensifying competition for the goalkeeper position. Arthur Okonkwo also entered the picture after receiving approval to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria.

Okonkwo made his Super Eagles debut during the 2026 Unity Cup and kept clean sheets in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe and 3-0 win against Jamaica.

Nwabali’s return to the national team began to take shape in July when Chippa United confirmed that the goalkeeper had rejoined the South African club, five months after his departure.

He quickly reclaimed his place in the starting lineup and impressed on his return, producing six saves and keeping a clean sheet against Golden Arrows to earn the Man of the Match award.

His return to regular club football has now opened the door for another Super Eagles appearance, with head coach Eric Chelle including Nwabali alongside Okoye and Okonkwo in Nigeria’s squad for the September AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

The recall gives Nwabali another opportunity to compete for the starting goalkeeper position as Nigeria continues its preparations for the qualifying campaign.