Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has returned to full training after shaking off a recent injury scare that had raised concerns among fans and his club.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper, who plays for Chippa United in the South African Premier Soccer League, had been forced to the sidelines after picking up a knock during a league fixture earlier this month.
His absence initially sparked fears of a lengthy layoff, particularly with crucial fixtures for both club and country around the corner.
After undergoing medical checks and receiving treatment from the club’s physiotherapy team, Nwabali resumed light workouts last week before rejoining full training sessions with his teammates on Friday.
Reports from the club’s camp confirm that the Super Eagles’ safe hands looked sharp and confident throughout the drills, showing no signs of discomfort.
Nwabali’s recovery will come as a huge relief to both Chippa United and Nigeria’s national team setup.
The goalkeeper has been in impressive form since his standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Super Eagles to the final.
With Nigeria preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in the coming weeks, his return to fitness is seen as a major boost for coach Eric Chelle, who regards him as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Chippa United are also expected to benefit from his comeback as they continue their push in the South African topflight, where his commanding presence between the sticks has been a key factor in their defensive stability.
For now, Nwabali will continue working closely with the technical crew to regain full match sharpness, and he is in line to feature in Chippa United’s next league fixture if cleared by the medical staff.
