Nwabali Selected for Nigeria's AFCON Squad Despite Injury Concerns

Nigeria has called up Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had been a doubt for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicking off later this month.

Nwabali missed Chippa’s last three league matches against Orlando Pirates, Siwelele and Kaizer Chiefs, raising concerns about his fitness and availability. Chippa coach Vusi Vilakazi recently told the media that he was unsure whether the goalkeeper would make Nigeria’s squad for the biennial tournament, which runs from 21 December to 18 January 2026 in Morocco.

Nwabali’s most recent appearance came for Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoff against DR Congo, played at a neutral venue in Morocco last month.

The 29-year-old’s last match for Chippa was a goalless draw against Magesi on 4 November.

Nwabali was a key figure for Nigeria at last year’s AFCON, where the Super Eagles reached the final before losing to hosts Ivory Coast. Their path to the final included a dramatic semi-final victory over Bafana Bafana, where Nwabali saved penalties to edge out Ronwen Williams—who was also outstanding and later won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.

Nigeria, who last won the AFCON in 2013 in South Africa, are drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

They will open their campaign against Tanzania on 23 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, before facing Tunisia on 27 December at the same venue. They will wrap up the group stage against Uganda three days later, also in Fès.