Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali is now a doubt for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as he is currently sidelined with both an ankle and hand injuries.
Nwabali, 29, last featured in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying play-off final defeat to DR Congo, where he visibly struggled but still completed the full 120 minutes, including the penalty shootout.
Chippa United head coach, Vusimuzi Vilakazi described the situation as severe, casting doubt on Nwabali’s availability for the tournament:
“I doubt it, looking at the state of his injury. I don’t think he will make it. When I spoke to him, he was confident he would recover soon, but that’s because he wants to be at the Cup of Nations finals.
“The reality for now is that he is still injured. I hope for the best that he might still make it. It’s an ankle injury, but the hand also needs an operation because he has been playing with it injured for a while, and he aggravated it in Morocco.”
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With Nwabali facing a race against time, head coach Eric Chelle may be forced to shift focus to Maduka Okoye.
Okoye has made seven Serie A appearances for Udinese this season, conceding 11 goals, keeping two clean sheets, and saving two penalties.
Nwabali’s potential absence would be a significant blow for Nigeria, with the 2025 AFCON set to begin in just 13 days.
