The 29-year-old shot-stopper was stretchered off in the first half of Tuesday’s league clash against Richards Bay after collapsing in visible pain. While the full extent of his injury is yet to be confirmed, medical checks are ongoing.
The timing is particularly concerning for the Super Eagles, who face crucial World Cup qualifying games next month against Rwanda and group leaders South Africa. Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group standings with seven points, six adrift of South Africa.
Nwabali, capped 21 times for the national team, has been a key figure in coach Eric Chelle’s plans. His injury adds to Nigeria’s growing goalkeeper crisis, with Maduka Okoye already sidelined due to a two-month suspension over illegal betting.
That leaves Chelle with limited alternatives:
- Amas Obasogie, who plays in Tanzania, has never featured for the national team.
- Adebayo Adeleye, based in Greece with Volos NPS, has just one international appearance.
- 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, a first-time call-up who impressed at the U-20 AFCON, is considered too inexperienced for such high-stakes matches.
With back-to-back fixtures looming, Nwabali’s absence could significantly dent Nigeria’s qualification chances, making the clash against South Africa especially decisive.
