Chippa United head coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi has cast uncertainty over the fitness of Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali ahead of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. 

The Super Eagles shot-stopper has been sidelined with an ankle and hand injury, which has kept him out of action since Nigeria’s 2025 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Morocco.

Nwabali has missed Chippa United’s last three league fixtures against Orlando Pirates, Siwelele FC, and Kaizer Chiefs, with his recovery progressing slower than expected. 

Speaking to SuperSport, Vilakazi admitted the goalkeeper remains a major doubt for the continental tournament despite his personal optimism.

“I doubt it, looking at the state of his injury,” he said 

“I don't think he will make it, but when I was talking to him, he was confident that he will recover very soon, but obviously you will understand because he's a player he wants to be there at the Cup of Nations finals.

“But the reality is saying for now he is still injured. I also hope for the best that he might find himself there.”

The coach further disclosed that Nwabali’s hand injury requires surgery, noting that the player had been managing the issue prior to aggravating it during national team duty. 

“It's an ankle injury, but then also the hand needs an operation because he's been playing with that (injured) hand for a while now and he aggravated the injury while he was in Morocco,” Vilakazi added. 

Despite his current condition, the 29-year-old was included in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad to commence preparation for the biennial tournament. 

Super Eagles head coach will be hoping for a swift recovery for Nwabali, especially after the recent injury setback to Benjamin Frederick and the unexpected retirement announcement of captain William Troost-Ekong. 

Adeyemi Adewale