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By Oscar Okhifo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles may be heading into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco with a major headache, as first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faces a race against time to recover from ankle and hand injuries that could rule him out of the tournament.
The Chippa United goalkeeper’s club coach, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, confirmed that Nwabali aggravated a pre-existing hand injury while also struggling with an ankle problem during Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.
Vilakazi said: “It’s an ankle injury, but the hand also needs an operation because he’s been playing with that injured hand for a while. He worsened it while he was in Morocco.”
The coach admitted doubt over Nwabali’s chances of returning in time but noted the player remains determined.
“I don’t think he will make it, but he’s confident he’ll recover very soon. You understand he’s a player and he wants to be at the Cup of Nations. The reality, however, is that he is injured for now,” Vilakazi added.
The 29-year-old was Nigeria’s undisputed first choice during the last AFCON, helping the Super Eagles reach the final before losing 2–1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. He has since cemented his position as the team’s No. 1, earning 27 international caps.
Nwabali has not played since Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in last month’s continental playoff, which also served as a qualifier for the Intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next March.
With the AFCON squad deadline looming on Thursday, December 11, head coach Éric Sékou Chelle may turn to Udinese’s Maduka Okoye if Nwabali cannot recover in time.
Nigeria’s defense has already been hit by injuries to Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick, and Felix Agu, compounded by the retirement of veteran William Troost-Ekong.
The Super Eagles will open Group C against Tanzania in Fes on December 23, face Tunisia on December 27, and conclude the group stage against Uganda on December 30.
Medical assessments in the coming days will determine whether Nwabali can join the squad in Morocco. The wish of Nigerians is one, that Nwabali will recover early enough to shine bright in Morocco.