Vusimuzi Vilakazi, Nwabali’s Chippa United club coach in the South African PSL, stated that the goalkeeper, who was born in Rivers, was dealing with a serious injury to his hand and ankle that might keep him out of the AFCON.

“It’s an ankle injury, but also the hand needs an operation because he’s been playing with that (injured) hand for a while and he aggravated the injury while he was in Morocco (World Cup Playoffs),” Vilakazi started.

He doesn’t think the goalie will be able to play before the AFCON.

“I don’t think he (Nwabali) will make it, but when I spoke with him, he was confident that he will recover very soon. Obviously, you will understand because he is a player and wants to be at the Cup of Nations finals.”

Nwabali is hurt and uncertain, according to the Chippa United coach. However, the truth is that he is still hurt as of right now. I’m also hoping that he might end up there.

Since Nigeria lost to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on post-match penalties in their World Cup qualifying playoff in Rabat last month, Nwabali has not participated in any games.

Nwabali was included in a provisional team that Nigeria released last week, although they have not yet chosen their final 27 players for the competition.

Eric Chelle, the coach of the Super Eagles, is more concerned about injuries as a result of the defeat. Captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international competition on Thursday, and defender Benjamin Fredrick is out due to a knee injury.