Relief for Nigeria as Nwabali Steps Up Recovery Ahead of AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been boosted by encouraging news on the fitness of Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Concerns had grown after Chippa United coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi suggested the 29-year-old was unlikely to recover in time, noting he had been struggling with ankle and hand injuries and saying, “He’s been playing with that (injured) hand for a while… I don't think he will make it.”

Nwabali has not played since Nigeria’s dramatic penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in Rabat during the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs. But former goalkeeper coach Greg Etafia has provided a more positive update, revealing that Nwabali has now resumed light training. Etafia said he spoke with one of Nwabali’s teammates who confirmed the goalkeeper is “feeling better” and has moved from gym work to sessions on the pitch.

Etafia added that Nwabali remains with the Chippa squad as they have not yet gone on break and noted, “If he continues like this, he should be ready… I’m confident he will make it in time.”

Nwabali, a key figure in Nigeria’s run to last year’s AFCON final, is included in the provisional squad as coach Eric Chelle prepares to name his final 27-man list.