The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been put in a tough situation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
Nigeria sit fourth in Group C of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, six points behind group leaders South Africa. And with only four games left, Eric Chelle cannot afford to drop one point.
They play Rwanda and South Africa later in September, and ahead of those games, coach Eric Chelle announced a 31-man provisional list.
Two of the notable absentees from the list were Maduka Okoye and Semi Ajayi. Okoye is suspended, while Ajayi is injured. These are two players who would have made the team.
Now, Eric Chelle has suffered another setback, as first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has sustained an injury.
The Super Eagles goalie had to be helped off the pitch in the 35th minute of Chippa United’s 1-0 loss to Richard’s Bay on Tuesday. From the look of it, it is unlikely that Nwabali will recover in time for Nigeria’s games next month.
This is a hefty blow for Nigeria, as Nwabali has been a consistent player for the team since last year, and his absence creates a big void.
Who Will Take Stanley Nwabali’s Spot in The Super Eagles?
In Eric Chelle’s 31-man provisional list, the three other goalkeepers are Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, and Ebenezer Harcourt.
However, with this new development, the Franco-Malian is free to invite another goalkeeper. But that is unlikely.
Among the three other goalies invited, Adeleye seems the most likely to replace Nwabali in Nigeria’s sticks, as he has been doing well in Europe.
Adeleye has already played for Nigeria, so he has the experience. Coach Chelle will be hoping that all his goalkeepers step up next month.
