Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is in a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, as he battles both ankle and hand injuries that have sidelined him since Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying playoff loss to DR Congo last month.
Chippa United head coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi expressed doubts over Nwabali’s availability for the tournament, stating, “I doubt it, looking at the state of his injury. I don’t think he will make it, but when I was talking to him, he was confident that he will recover very soon.”
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has not featured for his club since sustaining the injuries during international duty. While Nwabali remains optimistic about his recovery, Vilakazi highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the hand injury may require surgery.
Nwabali’s potential absence poses a significant challenge for Nigeria, as he has been a key figure in the team’s recent successes, including their run to the final in the previous AFCON edition. With the tournament set to commence on December 21, the Super Eagles’ coaching staff faces a crucial decision regarding their goalkeeping options.
In light of Nwabali’s uncertain status, attention turns to other goalkeepers in the provisional squad. Maduka Okoye, who has returned to form with Udinese, emerges as a leading candidate to step into the starting role. Other options include Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, and Olorunleke Ojo, each bringing their own experience and skill sets to the table.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their opening match against Tanzania on December 23 in Fes, the team’s technical crew will be closely monitoring Nwabali’s recovery while evaluating alternative options to ensure stability in the goalkeeping department.
The final squad list is expected to be announced by December 11, as per the Confederation of African Football’s deadline, leaving limited time for decisions that could impact Nigeria’s quest for continental glory.
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