Nigeria is holding its breath after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali picked up an injury that could sideline him for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana next month.
Nwabali, who is the captain of his club Chippa United, was stretchered off in the 35th minute during their 1-0 Betway Premiership loss to Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday. He was replaced by Elson Sithole, a recent signing from Cape Town City.
The Nigerian national team’s number one goalkeeper was seen visibly limping and in pain.
When asked about the severity of the injury, Chippa United’s interim coach, Morgan Mammila, was unable to provide a definitive answer. “I’m not sure,” Mammila said. “From here, I’m just going to get the report from the medical [team], and we will take it from there.”
Impact on World Cup Qualifiers
Nwabali’s potential absence would be a significant blow for Nigeria, as the Super Eagles are in a fierce battle to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are scheduled to play against Rwanda on 6 September before facing Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on 9 September.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana, who are in a strong position to qualify as they sit atop their group with 13 points, will first face Lesotho in Bloemfontein on 5 September.
Despite the injury, the Nigerian national team doctors have the right to assess Nwabali in camp, as mandated by FIFA, before making a final judgment on his fitness. Nwabali played a key role in helping Nigeria reach the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.