Stanley Nwabali. Photo Credit: CAF/X
Nigeria’s preparations for next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers may have suffered a major setback following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old Chippa United shot-stopper, who has established himself as Nigeria’s number one since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, was forced off injured on Tuesday night during a South African Premier Division clash against Richards Bay.
Nwabali lasted just 35 minutes before being stretchered off, raising immediate concerns over his availability for September’s crucial fixtures.
Nigeria are in desperate need of results as they attempt to revive a faltering qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup. The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group C with only two points from their opening three matches, six points adrift of leaders South Africa and one behind both Benin and Rwanda.
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Eric Chelle’s side face Rwanda in Uyo on 3 September before travelling to Bloemfontein three days later to take on South Africa in a fixture that could define Nigeria’s chances of making it to the tournament in North America.
With the Super Eagles under mounting pressure, the absence of their trusted goalkeeper would represent a significant blow.
Chelle named a 48-man provisional squad this week, from which he will select 23 players for the double-header. Nwabali’s inclusion was considered a certainty, given his consistency and composure since breaking into the team last year. However, Tuesday’s injury now casts doubt over his participation.
If the Chippa United man is ruled out, Chelle will be forced to look elsewhere. The alternatives include former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, one-time Hapoel Jerusalem shot-stopper Adebayo Adeleye, and teenage prospect Ebenezer Harcourt.
None, however, possesses the experience or reliability of Nwabali, whose presence has been vital for Nigeria since his emergence.
The Super Eagles will now anxiously await updates from Chippa United’s medical staff in the hope that the injury proves less serious than feared.
Nwabali, who has 13 caps for Nigeria, helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 AFCON and lifted the Unity Cup in May.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.