Chippa United head coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi has expressed strong doubts over the availability of Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Nwabali has been out of action since sustaining ankle and hand injuries during Nigeria’s 2025 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Morocco.
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The 29-year-old has missed Chippa United’s last three league matches against Orlando Pirates, Siwelele FC, and Kaizer Chiefs, with his recovery reportedly slower than anticipated.
Speaking to SuperSport, Vilakazi said the current state of the goalkeeper’s injuries leaves his AFCON participation in serious doubt.
“I doubt it, looking at the state of his injury. I don’t think he will make it,” the coach stated.
“When I spoke to him, he was confident he would recover very soon, but obviously he wants to be at the Cup of Nations. The reality for now is that he is still injured. I hope for the best that he might find himself there.”
Vilakazi further revealed that Nwabali’s hand injury requires surgery, noting that the player had been managing the problem for some time before aggravating it while on international duty.
Despite the concerns, Nwabali has been included in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the tournament.
Super Eagles head coach will be hoping for a rapid improvement, especially in the wake of recent setbacks involving Benjamin Frederick’s injury and the unexpected retirement announcement of captain William Troost-Ekong.
