Stanley Nwabali Suffers Injury Blow Sparks Fresh Concerns Nigeria’s Defense

Following Nigeria’s Super Eagles slim 3-2 victory against Tunisia in the AFCON 2025, Stanley Nwabali confirmed reports that had circulated before AFCON 2025 regarding his fitness.

The 29-year-old revealed he has been battling wrist and ankle injuries, with Chippa United head coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi previously confirming that the goalkeeper requires surgery.

Nigeria’s performance against Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 was a tale of two contrasting phases.

It consisted of breathtaking dominance for 70 minutes, followed by a nervy and worrying finale that has raised renewed concerns over the Super Eagles’ defensive stability and the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

For long stretches at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Eric Chelle’s men produced what many observers have described as their best football in a long time, combining intensity, control and attacking efficiency.

Yet, the final 15 minutes threatened to undo what should have been a near-perfect night.

AFCON2025: Stanley Nwabali Breaks His Silence on Injury Reports

Reflecting on Nigeria’s defensive struggles and his own condition, Nwabali spoke candidly:

“First game, second game, we tried to keep a clean sheet, but you know football has improved a lot, it is not something you just go and come out and play, everyone wants to come,” he said.

“So, we really don’t wish to concede. We really wish to keep a clean sheet. It pains me a lot when I concede, but we keep going as a team.”

On his fitness battle, he added:

“I was injured, but with the help of the team doctors and the physio, I was able to stand on the pitch to play.

“It’s quite tough for me because it’s not everything you come out to say, so most of the time, whatever thing you see online, yeah, it’s true.”

“I am always a strong man, so I try to represent my country.”

Goalkeeper Unity and Personal Struggles

Since the start of the year, Nwabali’s form for the Super Eagles has dipped noticeably, drawing criticism from a section of supporters.

The Tunisia match intensified those reactions, particularly over the first goal conceded, with some fans labelling him rash and careless and calling for him to be benched.

Unfortunately for the Chippa United shot-stopper, performances like the one in Fès have only strengthened those arguments.

Despite the criticism, Nwabali praised the unity within Nigeria’s goalkeeping department, singling out Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie.

“They are such nice guys. My first AFCON was with Francis; he is one guy I wish to work with.”

“I am not talking about Amas because I knew Amas in the league before leaving the Nigerian League, but these guys are amazing guys, they are like my family, they are like my brothers.”

“These guys cover me, we cover each other. No hard thoughts, no bad energy, I really wish a lot of people would learn from these guys,” Nwabali concluded.

Off the pitch, the goalkeeper has also endured emotional hardship, having lost both parents this year, a personal tragedy that has undoubtedly taken its toll.

A Difficult Decision for Eric Chelle

With Maduka Okoye unavailable, Nigeria’s goalkeeping options are limited. Amas Obasogie’s debut failed to inspire confidence, while Francis Uzoho is not a popular choice among many fans.

That reality leaves Eric Chelle facing a difficult decision. If Nwabali’s injuries are indeed affecting his performances, the Super Eagles could find themselves in serious trouble should his condition worsen.

After making his name during AFCON 2023, the 6’5” goalkeeper has started all but one of Nigeria’s matches since then. Whether he retains the number-one shirt for the remainder of AFCON 2025 remains uncertain.

Stanley Nwabali Under the Spotlight

Much of the post-match discussion has centred on Stanley Bobo Nwabali, whose recent performances have come under increasing scrutiny.

While not all the goals Nigeria have conceded can be laid squarely at his feet, many of them, critics argue, could have been avoided. Recent goals against Nigeria have stemmed from:

• Bright Osayi’s deflection against Gabon

• Wilfred Ndidi’s error against DR Congo

• Uncleared crosses versus Egypt and Tanzania

• Two set-piece goals conceded against Tunisia

Over Nigeria’s last four matches, several of the goals conceded have seen Nwabali rooted to the spot, with minimal movement toward the ball.

Against Tunisia, his struggles were again evident. After conceding twice, the Chippa United goalkeeper attempted to claim multiple crosses but failed to gather them cleanly, despite his towering aerial presence.

Repeated spills caused panic inside the Nigerian box and placed additional pressure on the defence.

Notably, the opening goal by Talbi appeared savable, with suggestions that it could have been parried away.

A Flying Start: Nigeria’s Best Football in Years

Nigeria raced into a commanding 3–0 lead thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman, overwhelming Tunisia with pace, pressing and precision.

The Super Eagles dominated possession, won second balls with ease and carved open Tunisia’s defense repeatedly.

At that point, the contest appeared settled, and a statement victory seemed inevitable.

Late Collapse: Tunisia Fight Back

However, the complexion of the match changed dramatically in the closing stages.

Tunisia clawed their way back into the contest when Montassar Talbi headed home in the 74th minute, before Ali Abdi converted a penalty to make it 3–2, injecting tension into the closing moments.

Though Nigeria held on for the win, the late wobble marred what could have been a complete performance and exposed lingering issues at the back.

The result also means the Super Eagles are now without a clean sheet in their last five games, a statistic that continues to fuel debate over their defensive setup heading into the knockout stages.