2026 World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria Anxious As Nwabali Undergoes Medical Tests

2026 World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria Anxious As Nwabali Undergoes Medical Tests

By Admin 

Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is racing against time to be fit for Chippa United’s league clash with Orlando Pirates on Sunday and the Super Eagles’ vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 29-year-old was stretchered off in the 35th minute during Chippa’s 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay on Tuesday, raising fears of a potentially serious injury.

According to South African journalist Austin Ditlhobolo, Nwabali is scheduled for medical tests this week, with the outcome set to determine both his club and country’s plans.

 “Nwabali will be hoping to be fit for Sunday’s showdown against Orlando Pirates and the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Bafana Bafana. He will undergo medical tests,” Ditlhobolo reported.

The development has triggered major concern within Nigeria’s camp. The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, trailing leaders South Africa by six points. With only two matches left before the final qualifying round in October, coach Eric Chelle’s side must secure victories against Rwanda and Bafana Bafana to revive their qualification hopes.

Nwabali, who cemented his place as Nigeria’s No.1 during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has been a cornerstone of the team, earning 21 caps and producing consistently strong displays. His absence would force Chelle to turn to less experienced alternatives such as Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, or Ebenezer Harcourt.

Adding to the pressure, Nigeria’s September 6 qualifier will be away in Johannesburg against long-time rivals South Africa — a fixture that carries extra weight given the history between both nations.