First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s injury while playing for Chippa United has severely hampered Nigeria’s preparations for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
During the first half of Tuesday’s league game against Richards Bay, the 29-year-old was carried out on a stretcher, clearly in pain after collapsing. As Chippa United’s medical staff continues to evaluate his condition, it is yet unknown how serious the injury is.
Nigeria is concerned about the timing, though, as Nwabali is anticipated to be crucial in the qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda next month.
With 21 Super Eagles games under his belt, Nwabali has proven to be a dependable part of coach Eric Chelle’s schemes.
His injury coincides with Nigeria’s current goalkeeping dilemma, as Maduka Okoye is out for two months after being suspended for unlawful betting.
Nigeria is then left with few choices. Tanzanian player Amas Obasogie has never played for his country. Adebayo Adeleye has only made one appearance while playing for the Greek team Volos NPS.
Ebenezer Harcourt, 15, is another player who was called up for the first time and showed promise in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, but he is not anticipated to start in such crucial games.
With seven points, Nigeria is currently in fourth place in its qualifying group, six points behind leaders South Africa. Nwabali’s absence might significantly impact their prospects of reducing the deficit in the two difficult games they have left.
