Nwabali puts Nigeria return on hold as he rebuilds Chippa United career

Stanley Nwabali says returning to the Nigeria squad is not his immediate priority as he focuses on re-establishing himself at Chippa United after six months away from competitive football.

The goalkeeper has regained his place with the South African club and has already played in three PSL matches this season. His return comes at a significant point in his career, with competition for Nigeria’s goalkeeping position having increased during his absence.

Nwabali became the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper during their run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He remained a key member of the squad for the following two years, but his departure from Chippa United after the 2025 AFCON in Morocco left him without regular competitive football.

That absence created opportunities for other goalkeepers, including Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo, while Nwabali spent six months on the sidelines.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Nwabali played down concerns about his international future and made clear that his immediate focus is helping Chippa United make a strong start to the new campaign.

It is a notable position for a player who had been Nigeria’s undisputed first choice. However, his return to the Eastern Cape club has taken precedence as he seeks to restore his rhythm and rebuild his career.

Nwabali held discussions with Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi after leaving the club following the AFCON. Those talks paved the way for his return, and the Nigeria international says the relationship between the two parties is now in a good place.

His comeback began positively. Nwabali was named Man of the Match after making six saves and keeping a clean sheet in Chippa United’s goalless draw with Golden Arrows in the opening game of the season.

His subsequent appearances against Richards Bay and Orlando Pirates have raised eyebrows, but the goalkeeper is now back playing regularly and describes his return to Chippa United as an emotional one.

He also faces competition for the starting position from Dumisani Msibi, a former South African junior international goalkeeper. Rather than treating that challenge as a setback, Nwabali appears prepared to embrace the competition as part of his return to full-time football.

The goalkeeper’s decision to concentrate on Chippa United does not remove the possibility of a future return to the Super Eagles. His displays in the PSL will inevitably influence Nigeria’s goalkeeping plans, particularly after the opportunities given to Okoye and Okonkwo during his absence.

Nwabali cannot assume that his previous status will guarantee an automatic return to Nigeria’s starting XI. His clearest route back is the one he has identified himself: playing consistently, producing strong performances and helping Chippa United collect points early in the campaign.