Nwabali shared a video on his Instagram Story on Tuesday featuring his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s third-place play-off victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Chippa United goalkeeper captioned the video: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying 😂.”
Nwabali played a key role in Nigeria’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt, saving spot-kicks from Salah and Marmoush. He was subsequently named Man of the Match.
However, his international career took a different turn after he left Chippa United in February 2026 in search of a new club. The move failed to materialise, leaving him without regular competitive football and out of subsequent Super Eagles squads.
Maduka Okoye then became one of Nigeria’s preferred options in goal, while Arthur Okonkwo emerged as another contender after FIFA approved his switch of international allegiance to Nigeria.
Okonkwo also impressed at the 2026 Unity Cup, keeping clean sheets in Nigeria’s victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica.
Nwabali’s route back to the national team began in July when Chippa United confirmed his return to the club, five months after his departure. The South African side said the goalkeeper had “taken time away” before returning to the Eastern Cape.
He marked his competitive comeback against Golden Arrows with six saves and a clean sheet, earning another Man of the Match award.
Nwabali has since continued to feature regularly for Chippa United, including a six-save performance in their 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on September 12.
His return to regular club football has now earned him a recall to the Super Eagles, with head coach Eric Chelle naming him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for Nigeria’s September AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
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