Super Eagles get Stanley Nwabali boost ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigerka and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has returned to training, handing a major boost to Super Eagles and head coach Eric Chelle ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Nwabali, who was stretchered off in the 35th minute of Chippa United’s clash with Richards Bay on Tuesday after sustaining an injury, trained on Friday in a light session under the guidance of Chippa’s goalkeeper coach.

The 28-year-old’s injury had sparked concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, but his swift recovery offers relief to both club and country.

The three time Africa champions will face Rwanda before taking on South Africa in their upcoming qualifiers as they continue their push for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA/Canada/Mexico.

Nwabali, who has cemented himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper since his impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is expected to play a key role in the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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