Deborah Akinyosoye
Stanley Nwabali has suffered an injury in Chippa United’s Premiership clash against Richards Bay.
The 29-year-old lasted only 35 minutes before being stretchered off on Tuesday.
While the extent of the injury isn’t known, the Goalkeeper appeared to be in pain as he was carried off the pitch.
According to reports, the club’s medical team will run further tests to determine the nature of his injury and the next course of action.
Nwabali, who is Nigeria’s first choice, could miss the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, which will be a major setback.
The Goalkeeper who has been capped 21 times for Nigeria, is one of the key players in Eric Chelle’s plans for the qualifiers next month.
With Nwabali’s absence, there is also the unavailability of Maduka Okoye, who is suspended for two months due to his involvement in illegal betting.
It’s unclear if the other goalkeepers called up can be relied on
Amas Obasogie, who plies his trade for Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars Sports Club, is not a regular for the Super Eagles and is yet to make an appearance for the team.
There’s also Adebayo Adeleye, who has made one appearance for the Super Eagles. He currently plays for Greek top-flight side Volos NPS.
Lastly, Ebenezer Harcourt, a first-time invitee, was between the sticks in Nigeria’s final African Nations Championship clash against Congo.
Harcourt, 15, was promoted to the senior team after his exploits in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt (2025), where he kept three clean sheets.
The Goalkeeper currently plays for Sporting Lagos in the Nigeria National League, the country’s second division.
However, the youngster is not expected to be tasked with the starting role for Nigeria in a crucial world cup qualifiers game.
Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C with seven points, six points behind group leaders South Africa.