Nigeria risk losing first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for AFCON 2025 due to injury

Nigeria and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is racing against time to be fit for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, to be staged in Morocco.

The 35^th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled between December 2025 and January 2026, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

But Nigeria’s preparation for the upcoming tournament has been dealt a massive blow, with first-choice goalkeeper Nwabali set to miss the tournament due to lingering injuries.

The 29-year-old, who became a fan favourite after his standout performances at the last AFCON, has not played since Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Concerns over his fitness grew after Chippa United coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi made worrying remarks about the goalkeeper’s condition.

“I doubt it… looking at the state of his injury. The reality is saying for now he is still injured.” Vilakazi told supersport.com.

As per Vilakazi, Nwabali is currently carrying an ankle injury and a more serious problem with his hand, which require surgery.

Nwabali’s likely absence is a huge setback for head coach Eric Chelle, who is already battling a long list of injuries and squad withdrawals. Nigeria named the goalkeeper in a provisional squad, but with the opening match against Tanzania in Fes only days away, hopes of a late recovery look slim.

The Super Eagles’ defensive problems continue to pile up. Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu are already ruled out, while Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi remain doubtful. Captain William Troost-Ekong, MVP of the last AFCON, has retired after 83 caps, leaving the backline without its most experienced leader.

If Nwabali is unavailable, Chelle must choose from Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, or youngster Ebenezer Harcourt—none of whom offer the same stability the injured goalkeeper provides.