Nigeria’s build-up to the World Cup qualifiers has suffered a major setback after first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, picked up an injury while playing for his South African club, Chippa United. The 29-year-old shot-stopper was stretchered off in the first half of Tuesday’s league clash against Richards Bay after collapsing in visible pain. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, with Chippa United’s medical team still conducting assessments. The development comes at a troubling time for the Super Eagles, as Nwabali was expected to play a pivotal role in next month’s crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. Having earned 21 caps, he has been a consistent presence in coach Eric Chelle’s setup. His setback further deepens Nigeria’s goalkeeper crisis, with Maduka Okoye already sidelined by a two-month suspension for illegal betting. This leaves the team with limited options. Amas Obasogie, based in Tanzania, has never played for the national side, while Greece-based Adebayo Adeleye has just one cap. Also in the squad is 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, a surprise call-up who shone at the U-20 AFCON earlier this year, but he is unlikely to be trusted in such high-pressure fixtures. Nigeria currently sits fourth in its qualifying group with seven points, six behind leaders South Africa. With two difficult games ahead, Nwabali’s absence could significantly undermine the Super Eagles’ push to close the gap.