Stanley Nwabali Super Eagles goalkeeper is uncertain for AFCON 2025
Nwabali’s Chippa United club coach in the South African PSL, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, confirmed that the Rivers-born goalkeeper was battling a major injury in his ankle and hand that may prevent him from the AFCON.
Vilakazi began: “It’s an ankle injury, but then also the hand needs an operation because he’s been playing with that (injured) hand for a while now and he aggravated the injury while he was in Morocco (World Cup Playoffs).”
He doubts if the goalkeeper can be fit before the AFCON.
“I don’t think he (Nwabali) will make it, but when I was talking to him, he was confident that he will recover very soon, but obviously you will understand because he’s a player, he wants to be there at the Cup of Nations finals.”
The Chippa United coach added that Nwabali is injured and doubtful. “But the reality is saying for now he is still injured. I also hope for the best that he might find himself there.”
Nwabali has not played since Nigeria were beaten by the Democratic Republic of Congo on post-match penalties in their World Cup qualifying playoff in Rabat last month.
Nigeria named Nwabali in a provisional squad announced last week, but are yet to make their final 27-man selection for the tournament.
The setback adds to Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s injury concerns. Defender Benjamin Fredrick has been ruled out with a knee injury, while captain William Troost-Ekong announced his international retirement last Thursday.