Nigeria’s hopes for next month’s World Cup qualifiers have been hit after
first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was stretchered off during Chippa United’s league match against Richards Bay yesterday.
The 29-year-old, who has been central to Coach Eric Chelle’s plans, is now undergoing medical assessment, leaving uncertainty over his availability for the crucial games against Rwanda and South Africa.
His injury deepens Nigeria’s goalkeeping woes, with Maduka Okoye sidelined by a two-month suspension for betting offences.
That leaves Adebayo Adeleye, with just one cap, and uncapped Amas Obasogie as alternatives, while 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, recently promoted from the U-20s, is not expected to start.
Nigeria, currently fourth in its group with seven points, faces a tough challenge to close the six-point gap behind leaders South Africa.