According to a recent report, it was stated on August 31 that Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has overcome injury worries and is now fit for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 29-year-old caused worry when he was carried off just minutes before the end of the first half during Chippa United’s match against Richards Bay.
However, he eased those worries by returning to play on Sunday, taking part in Chippa’s 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Reports said that Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was given a tight timeline to get back fit after he got hurt in Chippa United’s 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay in the South African Premier Soccer League on Tuesday evening.
The 29-year-old, who has been Nigeria’s main goalkeeper since his strong performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, had to leave the field in the 35th minute and was carried off, raising big concerns ahead of Nigeria’s key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.
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Although his club is currently at the bottom of the South African Premier Division with only one point from five matches, Nwabali’s fitness is a big plus for Nigeria.
Head coach Eric Chelle had already named him in the final 23-man squad, depending on his recovery for two important games.
Nigeria will start their qualifying campaign with a home game against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, followed by a match away in Bloemfontein against their rivals, South Africa.
As the Super Eagles look to get as many points as they can to improve their chances in the qualifiers, Nwabli’s return to goal comes at a very important time.
