Stanley Nwabali’s injury in Chippa United’s midweek fixture has thrown up a major talking point just as Nigeria prepare to open camp for their September World Cup qualifiers.
The 29-year-old lasted only 35 minutes before being forced off, and while the extent of the knock is still unclear, the timing is critical.
The Super Eagles’ camp opens on Monday, September 1st, with the final squad list expected by the weekend. That leaves head coach Eric Chelle facing an anxious wait: can his first-choice goalkeeper recover in time, or will the provisional list need surgery before Rwanda and South Africa come calling?
Can Stanley Nwabali Still Be Replaced?
Yes, under CAF and FIFA rules, a player who sustains an injury before the final list is submitted can be replaced, even if the squad has already been trimmed from the provisional.
Since Chelle has not yet made his final call, Nwabali’s spot can still be given to another goalkeeper if his injury rules him out.
Once the final squad is filed later in the week, however, changes are only permitted in case of verified injury, and must be approved by the federation and competition organizers. For now, the door remains open.
🇳🇬 What a save by Stanley Nwabali. pic.twitter.com/Um8zuCC4D4
— Leto Foot (@LetoFoot) August 27, 2025
Who Are Potential Replacements?
On the provisional list, Chelle already has three options: Adebayo Adeleye, who owns just a single cap; Amas Obasogie; and Ebenezer Harcourt, both uncapped at senior level.
With Maduka Okoye inactive due to suspension in Italy, Nwabali’s injury magnifies Nigeria’s lack of experience in goal. None of the remaining trio has commanded the shirt on the big stage, which makes the search for reinforcements more urgent.
Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham AFC)
At 23, Arthur Okonkwo is arguably the most compelling outside option.
A former Arsenal academy prodigy, he has grown into one of the most reliable keepers in the English lower leagues. In midweek, he made four saves (three from inside the box) as Wrexham edged Preston 3–2 in the EFL Cup.
While he has yet to feature in the Championship this season due to veteran Danny Ward being ahead of him; Okonkwo has the size, reflexes, and composure that make him a long-term candidate for the Super Eagles’ number one shirt.
Mustapha Lawal (Shooting Stars)
Closer to home, Mustapha Lawal presents another option. Although his stock dipped following Nigeria’s CHAN campaign, many of the goals he conceded were the result of defensive frailties rather than his own errors.
He remains a solid shot-stopper and has already featured in Shooting Stars’ league opener this season.
Unpopular as his inclusion might be in some quarters, his domestic experience and sharpness make him a realistic backup solution if Chelle opts to look locally.
