Akpeyi Backs Nwabali for Super Eagles Recall After Chippa United Return
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has expressed confidence that Stanley Nwabali can reclaim his place in Nigeria's national team following his return to South African Premier Soccer League side Chippa United, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Nwabali recently completed a return to Chippa United after spending nearly five months without competitive club football, ending a period of uncertainty over his future.
Akpeyi believes the move will help the 29-year-old regain match fitness and strengthen his chances of retaining his status as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper ahead of upcoming FIFA international windows and qualification matches.
Speaking with FARPost, the former Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper said Nwabali's patience in waiting for the right opportunity was understandable, adding that a goalkeeper of his quality deserves to play for a stable and ambitious club.
"He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles. 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 would not be surprised if he was Nigeria's number one in the next few games.
"When you are not attached to any team, it is obvious you will not get invited to the national team. Even when you are not playing regularly, it is 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," Akpeyi said.
Nwabali established himself as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper with a series of impressive displays, most notably during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a key role in the Super Eagles' run to the final.
His return to regular club football is expected to boost his prospects of earning another invitation to the national team as Nigeria prepares for future international assignments.
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