Super Eagles’ Nwabali suffers injury ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers have been dealt a blow after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali sustained an injury while playing for Chippa United.

The 29-year-old was stretchered off during the first half of Tuesday’s league match against Richards Bay, visibly in pain after going down. The extent of the injury remains unclear, as Chippa United’s medical team continues to assess his condition.

However, the timing is worrying for Nigeria, as Nwabali is expected to play a key role in next month’s qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Nwabali, who has made 21 appearances for the Super Eagles, has been a reliable figure in coach Eric Chelle’s plans.

His injury comes at a time when Nigeria already has a goalkeeper crisis, with Maduka Okoye unavailable due to a two-month suspension for illegal betting activities.

That leaves Nigeria with limited options. Amas Obasogie, who plays in Tanzania, has never featured for the national team. Adebayo Adeleye, currently with Greek club Volos NPS, has only one appearance to his name.

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There is also 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, a first-time call-up who impressed at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, but he is not expected to start in such high-stakes matches.

Nigeria is currently fourth in its qualifying group with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six. With two tough games ahead, the absence of Nwabali could heavily affect their chances of closing the gap.