The hopes of the Super Eagles in securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup may have taken a significant hit following an injury to their first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night during a match for his South African club, Chippa United, when he was stretchered off the pitch in the 35th minute of their Premier Soccer League encounter against Richards Bay.
While the exact nature and extent of the injury remained unclear, initial observations suggest it may be serious, prompting immediate medical attention on the field. The Chippa United captain, who has been pivotal for the Super Eagles, has been Nigeria’s No. 1 goalkeeper since the postponed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire last year, where he delivered a series of impressive performances that helped the team reach the final.
Nwabali’s injury raises concerns as he has been called up for next month’s critical World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa. The Super Eagles are set to report to their training camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Monday, in preparation for the must-win double-header clash against Rwanda’s Amavubi on September 6, to be followed by a match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on September 9.
As the team gears up for these vital encounters, supporters and management alike will be anxiously awaiting updates on Nwabali’s condition. His absence could prove detrimental to the Super Eagles as they strive to secure their place in the upcoming World Cup tournament.
