Super Eagles key star sustains injury ahead of Bafana clash

Nigeria's path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been complicated by a significant setback: an injury to star goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The incident, which occurred during a midweek club match, has cast serious doubt on his availability for the upcoming qualifier against Bafana Bafana on September 9.

Nwabali was forced off the pitch in the first half of a Betway Premiership game while playing for Chippa United against Richards Bay FC.

NWABALI STRETCHED OFF AGAINST RICHARDS BAY

The 29-year-old was stretchered off, a moment that sent a ripple of concern through the Super Eagles camp. His potential absence would be a major blow to Nigeria's defensive setup, especially in a match as critical as the one in Bloemfontein.

The highly anticipated clash between the two football giants will take place at Toyota Stadium. Both teams are locked in a fierce battle for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Before the main event, each team has a final tune-up match. The South African squad will host Lesotho on September 5. The Nigerian national team will travel to South Africa after their match against Rwanda on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Following Chippa United's 1-0 loss to Richards Bay, the team's interim coach, Morgan Mammila, stated that they had not yet received specifics on Nwabali's injury from the medical staff.

While the severity of the injury remains unknown, the Super Eagles have backup options. The 31-man provisional squad includes goalkeepers Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, and Ebenezer Harcourt, who could fill the void if Nwabali is unable to play.