The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been hit with a major concern at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has admitted to playing through injuries before and during the tournament in Morocco.
Nwabali's Fitness Struggle Revealed
In a candid revelation, the 28-year-old shot-stopper confirmed long-standing fitness issues that have shadowed his performances. Speaking to Ademola Victor TV after Nigeria's dramatic clash with Tunisia, Nwabali disclosed the physical challenges he has been facing.
"I was injured but with the help of team doctors and physios I'm able to stand on the pitch and play," Nwabali stated. He added, "It's quite tough for me because it's not something you come out to say. But most times whatever thing we see online is true."
This admission follows earlier warnings from his club, South Africa's Chippa United, whose coach revealed the goalkeeper was managing multiple injuries before the tournament. Despite these red flags, Nwabali was included in Nigeria's final squad and featured in a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt.
Costly Errors Against Tunisia
The injury concerns materialized visibly during Nigeria's group stage match against Tunisia. According to match reports, Nwabali conceded two goals from the only two shots on target he faced.
His vulnerability was particularly evident in Tunisia's opening goal, where a critical slip prevented him from making what appeared to be a routine save. This performance drew sharp criticism from pundits and intensified scrutiny on his form, which had been under question since the beginning of the year.
Nwabali had initially impressed in Nigeria's AFCON opener against Tanzania, delivering a largely assured display despite conceding once. However, the match against Tunisia exposed the potential impact of his undisclosed physical struggles.
Growing Calls for a Change in Goal
Nwabali's injury revelation and subsequent performance have created a significant dilemma for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. With Nigeria's final group game against Uganda looming, a growing section of fans and analysts are calling for the goalkeeper to be benched.
The primary concern is whether his fitness issues are directly contributing to on-field errors. If so, Chelle faces a tough decision: persist with his number one goalkeeper or make a change to protect both the player's health and the team's prospects in the knockout stages.
The criticism towards Nwabali has been mounting, with some fans labeling his recent performances as rash and careless. The errors against Tunisia have only strengthened arguments for his temporary removal from the starting lineup.
Nwabali joined the Super Eagles camp at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo on Sunday, December 14, as Nigeria began preparations for the continental tournament. His commitment to representing his country remains clear, as he emphasized his strength and dedication despite the challenges.
As the Super Eagles navigate the latter stages of AFCON 2025, the management of Nwabali's fitness and the decision regarding the starting goalkeeper position will be crucial to Nigeria's ambitions of lifting the trophy.
