Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faces a race against time to be fit for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after suffering an injury during Chippa United’s 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay in the South African Premier Soccer League on Tuesday evening, Bold Sports reports.
The 29-year-old was forced off in the 35th minute after sustaining an injury and had to be stretchered off the pitch. The setback leaves his availability in serious doubt ahead of Nigeria’s decisive fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa next month.
Richards Bay eventually secured victory courtesy of Gabadinho Mhango’s lone goal late in the first half, leaving Chippa United rooted to the bottom of the table with just one draw and three losses from their opening four matches.
Nwabali has been a key figure for the Super Eagles since his heroics at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria reach the final. His absence would represent a significant blow for Eric Chelle’s side, who face a must-win double-header in September as they continue their push for World Cup qualification.
More Read
Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C on seven points, trailing leaders South Africa (13 points) and second-placed Rwanda (eight points). The Super Eagles host Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 before traveling to face South Africa on September 9.
Should Nwabali fail to recover in time, either Amas Obasogie or Adebayo Adeleye could be utilised as his replacement, having both been included in Chelle’s provisional squad. While highly-rated 15-year-old Emmanuel Harcourt is also on the radar, it is unlikely the youngster will be risked for such high-stakes matches.
For Nigeria, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether their first-choice goalkeeper can play a part in what could prove to be a pivotal moment in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
