The Digest: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle faces a critical goalkeeping decision as first-choice Stanley Nwabali’s participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is in serious doubt due to hand and ankle injuries. Nwabali’s club coach at Chippa United has indicated the goalkeeper is unlikely to recover in time, potentially opening the door for a recall of former number-one Maduka Okoye.
Key Points:
- Stanley Nwabali is injured with hand and ankle issues sustained during international duty
- Chippa United coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi doubts he will recover in time for AFCON
- Nwabali has missed recent club matches and remains in recovery
- Maduka Okoye emerges as the leading candidate to replace him
- Okoye recently returned from a suspension and is regaining form at Udinese
- Other goalkeepers in the preliminary squad include Adeleye, Uzoho, and Obasogie
- Nwabali was a key figure in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final
Sources: Super Sport, Goal, Complete Sports
