Stanley Nwabali has suffered an untimely injury just days before Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa – www.naijnaira.com reports.
This Day revealed that the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper was forced off in the 35th minute while playing for Chippa United against Richards Bay in Durban.
He was replaced by Elson Sithole after being stretchered out, raising fears about the seriousness of the knock.
Nwabali, who also captains Chippa United, has been Nigeria’s trusted number one since AFCON 2023, where he was a standout performer in the run to the final.
His potential absence leaves coach Eric Chelle with a major dilemma ahead of two critical qualifiers in September.
Maduka Okoye is unavailable due to a betting-related ban in Italy, which saw him excluded from the provisional 31-man squad.
Chelle’s alternatives are Amas Obasogie of Singida Blackstars, Adeleye Adebayo of Volos FC, and 19-year-old Sporting Lagos prospect, Ebenezer Harcourt.
Nigeria face Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 before traveling to South Africa for a decisive clash against Group C leaders Bafana Bafana on September 9.
Medical scans will confirm the extent of Nwabali’s injury and determine his chances of featuring.
Article updated 2 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
