Nigeria’s hopes for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers have been hit after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali suffered an injury while in action for his South African club, Chippa United.
The 29-year-old was stretchered off during the first half of Tuesday’s league game against Richards Bay after going down in visible pain. Chippa United’s medical team is still assessing the extent of the injury, but his availability for next month’s qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa is now in doubt.
Nwabali, capped 21 times for the Super Eagles, has been a consistent presence in coach Eric Chelle’s plans and was widely expected to start in goal. His setback comes at a time when Nigeria is already grappling with a goalkeeper crisis. Maduka Okoye remains unavailable due to a two-month suspension for betting violations, leaving Chelle with limited alternatives.
Options include Amas Obasogie, who plays in Tanzania but has yet to make his debut for the national team, and Adebayo Adeleye of Greek side Volos NPS, who has just one cap. There is also 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, a rising talent who impressed at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, though he is not expected to be risked in such crucial fixtures.
Nigeria currently sits fourth in its World Cup qualifying group with seven points, six behind leaders South Africa. With two tough matches ahead, the absence of Nwabali could prove costly in their bid to close the gap and revive qualification hopes.
