AFCON 2027Q: Nwabali Responds to Critics After Super Eagles Recall

<p>By Matthew Okon<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p><strong>Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has responded to his critics following his return to the squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign&period;<&sol;strong><&sol;p><p class&equals;"ari-link"><strong>Read also&colon;<&sol;strong> <a href&equals;"https&colon;&sol;&sol;sparknewsdaily&period;com&period;ng&sol;atiku-fires-back-at-apc-over-call-for-efcc-probe&sol;">Atiku Fires Back at APC Over Call for EFCC Probe<&sol;a><&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>Nwabali&comma; who was included in the latest squad announced by head coach Eric Chelle&comma; appeared to send a message to those who questioned his return to the national team&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>The Chippa United goalkeeper on Tuesday posted a video on his Instagram Story featuring his penalty saves against Egypt during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>Nwabali saved penalties from Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as Nigeria secured a bronze medal after winning the third-place match on penalties&period;<&sol;p><p class&equals;"ari-link"><strong>Read also&colon;<&sol;strong> <a href&equals;"https&colon;&sol;&sol;sparknewsdaily&period;com&period;ng&sol;inec-begins-six-zonal-readiness-tour-ahead-of-2027-general-election&sol;">INEC begins six zonal readiness tour ahead of 2027 general election<&sol;a><&sol;p><&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>Accompanying the video&comma; Nwabali wrote&colon; &OpenCurlyDoubleQuote;I’m back&comma; it’s time to keep crying&period;”<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>His return comes after a difficult period with the national team following his abrupt departure from Chippa United in February 2026&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>The goalkeeper subsequently struggled to secure another club and his lack of competitive football saw him lose his place in the Super Eagles&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p class&equals;"ari-link"><strong>Read also&colon;<&sol;strong> <a href&equals;"https&colon;&sol;&sol;sparknewsdaily&period;com&period;ng&sol;frsc-warns-motorists-against-fake-traffic-offence-sms-fraudulent-website&sol;">FRSC Warns Motorists Against Fake Traffic Offence SMS&comma; Fraudulent Website<&sol;a><&sol;p><p>Chelle instead relied on Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye&comma; while Arthur Okonkwo emerged as another option after receiving FIFA approval to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>Nwabali’s recall now gives him another opportunity to reclaim his position as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;