Nwabali is questionable for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying matches after suffering an injury scare
Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s first-choice goalie, suffered an injury on Tuesday night that makes him a serious question for the Super Eagles’ forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda.
Concerns regarding the 29-year-old’s fitness ahead of the pivotal games were raised after he was stretchered off in the 35th minute of Chippa United’s South African Premier Soccer League match against Richards Bay.
Nwabali, who has been Nigeria’s go-to goalie since the Super Eagles placed second in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, was included in head coach Eric Chelle’s 31-man provisional roster last week.
Nigeria might have to use one of the backup goalkeepers for the qualifiers, perhaps Ebenezer Harcourt, Amas Obasogie, or Adebayo Adeleye, as his participation is currently doubtful.
In order to be ready for the games, the Super Eagles will start camping in Uyo the next week.
They will travel to play South Africa’s Bafana Bafana four days after hosting Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, September 6.
