Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has suffered a setback as first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, picked up an injury while in action for Chippa United.

The 29-year-old shot-stopper was stretchered off in the first half of Tuesday’s league clash with Richards Bay after going down in visible pain. The severity of the injury is still being evaluated by Chippa United’s medical staff.

The timing is a major concern for the Super Eagles, with crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa scheduled for next month. Nwabali, who has earned 21 caps for Nigeria, has been central to the team’s plans under coach Eric Chelle.

His injury comes amid an existing goalkeeping crisis. Maduka Okoye remains unavailable following a two-month suspension for illegal betting, leaving the national team short of experienced options.

Among the remaining choices are Amas Obasogie, based in Tanzania but yet to make his debut; Adebayo Adeleye of Greek club Volos NPS, with just one appearance; and 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, a promising talent from the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, though unlikely to start in high-pressure fixtures.

Nigeria currently sits fourth in its qualifying group with seven points, six behind leaders South Africa. With two tough matches on the horizon, Nwabali’s absence could significantly impact the team’s bid to close the gap.