No reason to panic: Super Eagles GK Nwabali back in action for Chippa United ahead of WCQs

There is nothing to worry about regarding the fitness of Nigeria international Stanley Nwabali ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda's Wasps and South Africa's Bafana Bafana, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper was stretchered off in Chippa United's 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay last Tuesday after landing awkwardly during the first half, sparking fears over his availability for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda's Wasps and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

Medical checks have since eased those concerns, with Chippa United confirming that the injury was not as serious as initially feared.

Nwabali trained fully during the week and returned to the starting XI on Sunday as Chippa United faced Orlando Pirates in a Premiership clash.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star could not prevent his side from falling to a 3-0 defeat, but he produced several important stops, including a punched clearance from a free-kick in the eighth minute and a sharp save to deny Maswanganyi moments later.

He also reacted well to smother a defensive error on 40 minutes and denied further efforts from Sebelebele and Thalente Mbatha after the restart.

Nwabali's return to action is a boost for Eric Chelle's squad as they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers in September.

The Chippa United captain will be joined in the Super Eagles' goalkeeping department by Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) and Adebayo Adeleye of Volos FC (Greece).

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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