Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has emerged as a major injury concern ahead of Nigeria’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, after picking up a knock during Chippa United’s 1-0 loss to Richards Bay in the South African Premier Soccer League on Tuesday evening.
The 29-year-old was forced off in the 35th minute and had to be stretchered off the field, raising fears about his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
READ ALSO: CHAN 2024: Madagascar Beat Sudan in Extra-Time to Reach Historic Final
His club, Chippa United, remain bottom of the PSL table with just one point from four games, following Gabadinho Mhango’s decisive first-half strike for Richards Bay.
Nwabali has been a vital figure for the Super Eagles since his standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his penalty-saving heroics guided Nigeria to the final.
His potential absence would be a huge setback for coach Eric Chelle, whose side face a must-win double-header as they continue their pursuit of a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa (13 points) and Rwanda (eight points).
The Eagles are scheduled to host Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 before travelling to Johannesburg to face South Africa on September 9.
Should Nwabali fail to recover in time, Chelle could turn to Amas Obasogie or Adebayo Adeleye, both included in the provisional squad.
Promising 15-year-old Emmanuel Harcourt is also considered one for the future but is unlikely to be risked in such critical fixtures.
The coming weeks will prove decisive, as Nigeria await updates on their first-choice shot-stopper ahead of what could be a defining moment in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
