Nwabali Injury Concerns Cast Shadow Over Super Eagles’ AFCON Hopes

Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is facing a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as fresh injury worries threaten his participation in Morocco.

According to TalkTalk Nigeria, Nwabali is currently nursing both ankle and hand injuries — setbacks he reportedly aggravated during the 2026 World Cup playoffs last month. Since then, the 29-year-old has not featured for his South African club, Chippa United.

His manager, Vusumuzi Vilakazi, offered a concerning update on his recovery status, saying he doubts Nwabali will be ready in time for AFCON, although the Super Eagles star remains optimistic about a quick return.

Nwabali rose to continental prominence earlier this year after his outstanding displays at AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire, where he helped Nigeria reach the final with his calm presence, reflex saves, and penalty-box command. Now, his absence — if confirmed — would leave a major void in Nigeria’s quest to go one step further and reclaim the trophy.

💭 Opinion Corner

For many Super Eagles fans, this news hits differently.

We remember how Nwabali made the world finally look beyond Europe-based names and respect Nigerian talent from the domestic system. He became a symbol of resilience, confidence, and a reminder that heroes can rise from anywhere.

If he misses AFCON, it won’t just be a tactical setback — it will be an emotional one.

But here’s the flip side: his spirit is unwavering. As his coach noted, Nwabali himself believes he’ll be back very soon, and that might just be the fighting attitude Nigeria needs going into the tournament.

The nation can only hope for good news in the coming days — because a fully fit Nwabali between the sticks isn’t just an asset… it’s a statement of intent.