SUPER Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has said reclaiming his position as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper is not currently his main concern as he settles into a new chapter with South African club, Chippa United.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that the 31-year-old goalkeeper rejoined the Eastern Cape club last month after previously leaving in February and spending about six months without competitive football.
Nwabali marked his return with an impressive performance in Chippa United’s opening match of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, keeping a clean sheet, making six saves and earning the Man of The Match award before featuring in a second league outing.
Speaking on his return to the club, the Super Eagles shot-stopper told SABC Sport that he was delighted to be back and focused on helping the team achieve success this season.
“I feel positive coming back to the club, not just for me but also for the team. The relationship and the agreement is all good. I just want the team to succeed this season,” Nwabali said.
“Coming back to this club feels like I’m coming back to my family and my home, and I’m really happy to be back on the pitch, doing what I love.”
With Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo having shared goalkeeping duties for the Super Eagles during his absence, Nwabali said he was not presently focused on reclaiming the number one shirt he previously occupied.
“I’m not really worried about that one; I’m only focused on helping my club pick up as many points as possible. So for now, I’m not too worried about the national team,” he said.
Nwabali’s most recent outing, however, ended in disappointment as Orlando Pirates defeated Chippa United 3-0 at Kings Park Stadium to move to the top of the Betway Premiership table on superior goal difference after three matches.
The goalkeeper became a national hero during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after saving two penalties against South Africa in the semi-final shootout to help Nigeria reach the final.
He further cemented his reputation at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where he won the Man of The Match award against Egypt after saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as Nigeria secured the bronze medal.
The Super Eagles will next be in action in September when they host Madagascar in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, a fixture expected to provide an early indication of head coach Eric Chelle’s goalkeeping preferences amid the growing competition for the number one position.
