Nwabali’s AFCON Participation in Jeopardy.

Stanley Nwabali

Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali is facing a race against time to be fit for the Africa Cup of Nations, as he battles ankle and hand injuries, according to his coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper, who played a crucial role as Nigeria reached the final of the last AFCON, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast has been a key figure for the Super Eagles, earning 27 international caps.

However, Nwabali has not featured since Nigeria’s painful elimination to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in last month’s World Cup qualifying playoff in Rabat.

Coach Raises Concern Over Recovery

Vilakazi openly expressed doubt about the goalkeeper’s chances of a swift comeback.

“I doubt it, looking at the state of his injury,” he told supersport.com.
“He was confident he would recover soon, but the reality is he is still injured.”

The coach further revealed that while the ankle injury remains a concern, the hand injury is even more serious, requiring surgery. He added that Nwabali had been playing through the pain for some time, worsening the condition during his stay in Morocco.

Nigeria Yet to Finalise AFCON Squad.

AFCON 2025

Although Nwabali has been named in Nigeria’s provisional squad, the final 27-man list is still pending. The CAF deadline for final submissions is December 11, leaving little time for a medical miracle.

Super Eagles Hit by More Injury Woes

Nwabali’s situation adds to the growing list of concerns for coach Eric Chelle:

Benjamin Fredrick is ruled out with a knee injury.
Captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his international retirement.
Felix Agu and Ola Aina remain doubtful, despite their inclusion in the preliminary squad.

Nigeria’s Group C Challenge

The Super Eagles will kick off their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on 23 December in Fes, before facing Tunisia and Uganda in what promises to be a fiercely contested Group C.