Nigeria are said to be facing a tense situation over the availability of their first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, ahead of upcoming matches against Rwanda and Bafana Bafana.
Nwabali was recently named in Nigeria's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles will host Rwanda before travelling to South Africa for a clash at the Free State Stadium.
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However, on Tuesday Nwabali sustained a worrying injury during Chippa United's clash against Richards Bay. The shot-stopper was forced off after just 35 minutes, appearing to be in severe pain.
With the extent of the injury yet to be determined or made public, Nigeria are said to be crossing their fingers that Nwabali can recover in time for next week’s international break.
According to AfricaFootUnited, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle is now on high alert regarding the situation. The report states that Chelle considers Nwabali his undisputed number one and a cornerstone of the team’s defence.
His possible absence has reportedly left the Super Eagles scrambling for solutions, as none of the potential replacements are seen as sufficiently proven at international level.
It remains to be seen whether Nwabali will recover in time, with the upcoming fixtures potentially make-or-break for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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