Stanley Nwabali the latest cloud cast over Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes

Stanley Nwabali’s durability has been one of the quiet pillars of the Super Eagles in the last year.

On Tuesday night, however, that foundation shook as the 29-year-old was forced off injured for Chippa United in their PSL clash away at Richards Bay.

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This is how we line-up tonight against @RichardsBayFC_ in Durban.#PrideOfTheEasternCape #AyeyeChilliBoysAyeye pic.twitter.com/sd55qpzaqF

— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) August 26, 2025

Nwabali lasted only 35 minutes before making way, and while Chippa held firm with him between the posts, they conceded almost immediately after his withdrawal, shipping in first-half stoppage time. The severity of the knock remains unknown, but the timing could not be more inconvenient.

Chelle faces Super Eagles selection dilemma

Nigeria’s September camp opens on the 2nd, ahead of back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda in Uyo and South Africa in Bloemfontein. For head coach Eric Chelle, the prospect of losing his established number one is nothing short of a headache.

Nwabali, who starred at the Africa Cup of Nations, is the most experienced of the four goalkeepers named in Chelle’s provisional list. Behind him, the options thin quickly: Maduka Okoye is unavailable due to suspension in Italy, leaving Adebayo Adeleye (one cap), Amos Obasogie, and Ebenezer Harcourt; the latter two uncapped, jostling for recognition.

The Super Eagles’ task is already precarious. With seven points from six matches, they sit fourth in Group C, six adrift of leaders South Africa. Rwanda and Benin remain one point clear, while Lesotho bring up the rear.

Nigeria’s hopes are buoyed slightly by the uncertainty surrounding South Africa, who could face sanctions for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the series. Even so, the three-time African champions must first steady their own ship.