Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is racing against time to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco following a troubling update on his condition from Chippa United.
Chippa head coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi disclosed that the 28-year-old is nursing two injuries — an ankle complaint and a more serious hand problem that “needs an operation.” Both setbacks were said to have been aggravated during his recent outings for the national team.
Vilakazi warned that Nwabali “could miss out” on the tournament, noting that his availability is now a “huge doubt.”
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The shot-stopper has not played for Chippa United since Nigeria’s AFCON playoff defeat to DR Congo last month. His continued absence, alongside medical reports suggesting he may require surgery, has deepened concerns over his readiness for the campaign, which kicks off in Rabat on December 21.
Nwabali’s strong displays during the qualifiers firmly established him as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, leaving the Super Eagles technical crew on edge as the tournament draws near.
Should he fail to recover, Nigeria may head to Morocco without one of its most dependable performers.
Head coach Eric Chelle has also listed Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, Ebenezer Harcourt and Maduka Okoye in his provisional 54-man squad, which will be trimmed to 28 in the coming days.
