Nigeria’s chances ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could suffer a major setback, with Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali facing a race against time to be declared fit for the tournament.
Reports indicate that the Chippa United shot-stopper is currently struggling with both ankle and hand injuries, which he is believed to have worsened during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff matches last month.
Since returning from international duty, the 29-year-old has been absent from action for his South African club, Chippa United, raising further concerns about his fitness levels heading into the continental showpiece.
Chippa United head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi has also cast doubt on the goalkeeper’s availability for the competition.
“I don’t think he will make it, but when I was talking to him, he was confident that he will recover very soon,” he was quoted by SuperSport.
Nwabali was one of Nigeria’s standout performers during the AFCON 2023 finals in Côte d’Ivoire, where he played a key role in the Super Eagles’ impressive run, further highlighting the potential impact of his possible absence from the squad.
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