Media Team
Nigeria’s hopes for World Cup qualification have taken a hit after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali suffered an injury while representing Chippa United.
The 29-year-old was stretchered off in the first half of Tuesday’s league encounter against Richards Bay, clearly in discomfort after collapsing. Chippa United’s medical team continues to examine the full extent of the injury.
This development poses a major concern for the Super Eagles, who have critical matches against Rwanda and South Africa approaching next month. Nwabali, with 21 international caps, has been a dependable figure under coach Eric Chelle.
Further complicating matters, backup goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is unavailable due to a two-month suspension for involvement in illegal betting.
Nigeria now faces limited alternatives—Amas Obasogie, currently playing in Tanzania but yet to earn a senior cap; Adebayo Adeleye of Greek side Volos NPS, with just one national team appearance; and 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, a rising talent from the U-20 AFCON squad, who remains an unlikely starter for such high-stakes fixtures.
The Super Eagles are currently fourth in their qualifying group with seven points, six behind group leaders South Africa. With two tough fixtures ahead, Nwabali’s potential absence could significantly hinder their chances of narrowing the gap.
