Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been dealt a major blow after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali picked up an injury while featuring for his South African club, Chippa United.
Stanley Nwabali was stretchered off during the first half of Tuesday night’s league match against Richards Bay after going down in visible pain.
Chippa United’s medical team is yet to provide details on the extent of the injury.
Nwabali’s setback raises fresh concerns for the Super Eagles, who face crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa next month.
The goalkeeper, capped 21 times, has been a consistent presence between the posts for Nigeria.
The crisis deepens as backup goalkeeper Maduka Okoye remains unavailable, serving a two-month suspension over illegal betting activities.
Amas Obasogie from Tanzania is yet to play for the Super Eagles, while Adebayo Adeleye of Volos NPS has just one cap.
Fifteen-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt from the U-20 AFCON squad is seen as too inexperienced.
Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C with seven points, six behind leaders South Africa. With two decisive matches ahead, Nwabali’s possible absence could prove costly for the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualification.
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