Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is facing an injury scare ahead of next month’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying matches after being forced off in Chippa United’s 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay in the South African Premier Division on Tuesday evening.
The Super Eagles star lasted only 35 minutes before suffering an injury that required him to be stretchered off the pitch, leaving fans and coaches deeply concerned about his availability for Nigeria’s must-win qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
Nwabali, who rose to prominence during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with his outstanding saves, has since cemented his role as Nigeria’s number one. His absence would represent a major setback for head coach Eric Chelle, who already faces mounting pressure to secure maximum points in the upcoming fixtures after a slow start in the qualification campaign.
Chippa United’s struggles continued without their dependable shot-stopper, as they conceded just before halftime. Malawian international Gabadinho Mhango scored the decisive goal that handed Richards Bay all three points.
The full extent of Nwabali’s injury is yet to be confirmed, but early indications suggest a race against time for the 28-year-old to prove his fitness before reporting to Nigeria’s camp in Uyo on September 1.
With less than 6-days to go before the Super Eagles regroup, Chelle and his technical crew may be forced to prepare contingency plans, including turning to backup options such as Adebayo Adeleye or Amas Obasogie if Nwabali fails to recover.
Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 6 before traveling to Bloemfontein for a high-stakes clash against South Africa on September 9.
