AFCON: Super Eagles Hit With Setback as Chelle Confirms Knee and Ankle Injuries

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been dealt a significant setback in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign following an injury update from head coach, Eric Chelle. The coach confirmed that Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is currently battling both knee and ankle injuries, raising serious concerns ahead of the team’s next crucial fixture.

Chelle made this disclosure while addressing journalists ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON final group stage match against Uganda, scheduled to take place on Tuesday. His comments have sparked worry among fans and football analysts, especially considering Nwabali’s importance to the team’s defensive stability.

According to the Malian tactician, the goalkeeper’s condition is being closely monitored by the medical team. The injuries involve two sensitive areas — the knee and the ankle — which are particularly critical for a goalkeeper’s mobility, balance, and reaction time. This development has inevitably complicated Nigeria’s preparations as the team approaches a decisive phase of the tournament.

Despite confirming the injuries, Chelle emphasized that a final decision regarding who will start in goal against Uganda has not yet been made. He explained that the choice of goalkeeper will only be determined after the Super Eagles conclude their final training session on Monday. This suggests that the coaching crew is still evaluating Nwabali’s fitness level and overall readiness before making a call.

The uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper position adds an extra layer of tension ahead of the encounter with Uganda. With qualification stakes high in the final group game, the Super Eagles will be hoping for clarity and stability as they fine-tune their match strategy.

For now, all eyes remain on the team’s last training session, where the coaching staff is expected to assess all available options before settling on the safest and most competitive choice between the posts.