Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia says Stanley Nwabali could recover in time to take part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria received an injury scare earlier this week after Chippa United head coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi confirmed that Nwabali currently suffers from a hand and ankle injury, which might require surgery.
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The Nigerian number one goalkeeper had missed the club’s last three league matches, while he has not played since his country’s defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 29-year-old saved two spot-kicks in the encounter, although the Super Eagles missed three of their six penalties, ending their World Cup hopes.
The former Enyimba goalkeeper was included in Eric Chelle’s 54-man preliminary squad, although Chippa United’s reports earlier this week had cast doubts over his inclusion in the final squad.
Nigeria should release the final squad for the African Cup of Nations tournament soon, as they hope to beat the December 11 deadline set by CAF.
Nigeria receive Nwabali boost
Former Moroka Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia confirmed the good news to reporters on Thursday, leaving the door open for a potential inclusion for Stanley Nwabali.
It is a very welcome development for the Super Eagles, who have suffered from multiple injury worries in the buildup to the tournament.
“Nwabali has started training. I spoke to one of his teammates, the goalkeeper who was playing when he was on his absence, and he told me that now he has started training again, and he’s feeling better”, Etafia confirmed.
“They haven’t gone on break yet. I think they will go on the 20th or the 22nd, so he’s still around the team. He’s feeling better now, and I think he has started both gym work and grass training, which is very good for him.
“We’ll see what’s going to happen, but from what I’m hearing and from what the guys at Chippa have said, I think he’s going to be okay. He just needs to keep working, and if he continues like this, he should be ready. I’m confident he will make it in time”, the former Super Eagles goalkeeper added.
Eric Chelle is expected to name his final squad to represent Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, although it remains to be seen if Nwabali makes the cut.
The Super Eagles will face Egypt in a warmup match on the 16th, before beginning their campaign on the 23rd against Tanzania.
