Former Nigeria and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has dropped a bold verdict on Stanley Nwabali’s international future following the keeper’s return to Chippa United.
Speaking to FARPost, the ex-Amakhosi star labelled Nwabali ‘faultless’ for Nigeria, downplaying fears that his recent six-month spell without a club will hurt his international standings under Éric Chelle.
The Chippa United stopper, capped 34 times since 2021, was trusted by previous coaches, Finidi George and Augustine Eguavoen, as well as current Nigeria mentor Chelle.
While he was clubless, Francis Uzoho of Omonia FC in Cyprus and Udinese Calcio’s Maduka Okoye were considered favourites for the Super Eagles’ No.1 jersey.
However, with Nwabali now back at Chippa United after a failed move to Europe, Akpeyi insisted that a quick turnaround is highly likely for him to reclaim his place in the Super Eagles.
CHIPPA UNITED RETURN GIVES STANLEY NWABALI PLATFORM TO FORCE RECALL, SAYS AKPEYI
“He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles,” Akpeyi told FARPost. “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 wouldn’t be surprised if he was [Nigeria’s No. 1] in the next few games.”
Nwabali’s stock rose significantly following penalty-saving heroics that helped Nigeria reach the AFCON 2023 final, followed by a series of commanding and admirable displays at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Akpeyi added: “When you’re not attached to any team, it’s obvious you won’t get invited to the national team. Even when you’re not playing regularly, it’s 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.”
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