After spending several months without a club, Nwabali recently completed a return to the South African side where he first made his name. The move has sparked optimism that the 29-year-old can revive his career and force his way back into Eric Chelle's Super Eagles squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nwabali enjoyed a remarkable rise with Nigeria after emerging as the country's first-choice goalkeeper during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. His assured displays played a key role in the Super Eagles' run to the final, earning widespread praise. He retained the starting role through the 2025 AFCON, where Nigeria secured a record-extending ninth bronze medal.
However, his fortunes changed after leaving Chippa United by mutual consent in February. Without regular club football, the goalkeeper was overlooked for Nigeria's successful 2026 Unity Cup campaign and the international friendlies against Poland and Portugal. During his absence, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo and Maduka Okoye all featured between the sticks for the Super Eagles.
Akpeyi believes Nwabali's previous performances for Nigeria should give him a strong chance of reclaiming his place once he rediscovers his best form.
"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," Akpeyi told FARPost.
The former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper insisted that Nwabali's omission from recent national team squads had little to do with his ability, stressing instead that his lack of club football made selection difficult.
"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 said.
Akpeyi also believes Nwabali's decision to return to familiar surroundings at Chippa United is a smart career move, as it offers him the opportunity to rebuild his confidence through consistent game time.
"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.
With the 2026/27 South African Premiership season set to kick off on August 1, Nwabali will be eager to establish himself once again as Chippa United's first-choice goalkeeper. Regular performances at club level could strengthen his case for a Super Eagles recall as Nigeria prepares for the start of its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign in September.