Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been dealt a major setback with two key invitees sidelined by injuries within 24 hours.
First, Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali suffered an injury while in action for Chippa United, and barely a day later, Akor Adams’ hopes of making his debut for the national team is now hanging in the balance after he sustained a thigh muscle injury at Sevilla, the club confirmed.
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Adams, 25, has been ruled out of Sevilla’s Spanish La Liga clash against Girona this weekend after the club’s medical team confirmed an injury to the long adductor muscle in his left thigh.
The setback might also rule him out of Nigeria’s upcoming qualifiers against Rwanda in Uyo and South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 6 and 9 respectively.
Sevilla confirmed the development in an official statement:
“Sevilla FC completed their first training session on Wednesday, preparing for this weekend’s match in Girona. Neither Rubén Vargas nor Akor Adams trained with the group.”
” The Swiss player worked in the gym, while the Nigerian is suffering from an injury to the long adductor muscle in his left thigh and will miss the match against Girona.”
The news comes as a huge disappointment for Adams, who had only just earned his first national team call-up and he is now in a race against time and full fitness.
Despite a difficult start to life in Spain, Sevilla have lost their opening two La Liga matches but the striker registered an assist in their 3-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao and was looking forward to carrying his form onto the international stage.
With Nwabali and Adams both sidelined, Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle faces fresh selection headaches as the coach may be forced to leave out the players in two must win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in their bid to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
