The Super Eagles’ preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations have been rocked by a major setback, as the participation of first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hangs in the balance.
Comments from Chippa United head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi cast serious doubt on Nwabali’s availability. The 28-year-old, a key figure in the last AFCON campaign, has been nursing significant hand and ankle injuries, aggravated during the recent international break.
Vilakazi revealed that Nwabali is still in recovery, stating, “I don’t think he will make it,” even though the keeper remains optimistic about a swift return. Nwabali has been sidelined since the World Cup qualifier playoffs, missing crucial club matches for Chippa United.
His potential absence is a severe blow, forcing the national team to scramble for a reliable replacement. The spotlight now falls on Maduka Okoye of Udinese, who is the leading candidate to reclaim the number one jersey. Okoye is slowly regaining form in the Serie A after returning from a ban, seeking redemption after his infamous blunder in the 2021 AFCON saw him lose his starting spot. Other goalkeepers named in the preliminary squad include Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, and Ebenezer Harcourt.
