Relief!! Stanley Nwabali allays injury fears with return to action for Chippa United

• Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was back in action for Chippa United on Sunday, featuring in their Betway Premiership clash against defending champions Orlando Pirates.

The Nigerian shot-stopper had raised injury fears after being stretchered off in Tuesday’s encounter against Richards Bay, but quickly eased concerns by returning to training and even leading the Chilli Boys out as captain.

Though Luc Eymael’s side fell to defeat, Nwabali registered five saves—including four from inside the box—and crucially denied Patrick Maswanganyi from the penalty spot in the 50th minute.

His return comes as a significant boost for the Super Eagles, who are set to regroup on Monday, September 1st, ahead of their crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. Nigeria faces Rwanda’s Wasps on Saturday, before an eagerly-anticipated “Amapiano derby” against South Africa three days later.

With Nwabali reaffirming his fitness and form, the Eagles’ chances of keeping their qualification hopes alive have been handed a timely lift.