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Stanley Nwabali Doubtful for 2025 AFCON as Ankle and Hand Injuries Raise Major Concerns
Nigeria and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is facing a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with fresh injury concerns casting serious doubt over his availability for the tournament.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper has not featured for Chippa United since Nigeria’s dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers playoff final. Nwabali reportedly aggravated existing ankle and hand issues during the encounter in Morocco, complications that now require surgical intervention.
Chippa United head coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi expressed deep concern over the goalkeeper’s fitness status.
“I doubt he will be fit for AFCON. He’s confident, but the reality is he’s still injured. His ankle and hand, requiring an operation after he aggravated it in Morocco, are major issues,” Vilakazi said.
Nwabali has been a crucial figure for Nigeria since his breakout performance at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he delivered several standout displays as the Super Eagles marched to the final. His calm presence, reflexes, and command of the box earned him widespread praise and cemented his position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.
His potential absence for the 2025 edition would represent a significant setback for the Super Eagles, who are preparing for a challenging tournament featuring several in-form African heavyweights.
With AFCON fast approaching, national team officials, fans, and teammates will be hoping for positive updates and a swift recovery for one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers in recent years.