Super Eagles: Etafia offers  assurance on Nwabali’s fitness  for Morocco 2025  

Joshua Osinowo

Former Super Eagles and Moroka Swallows goalkeeper coach, Greg Etafia, has given a reassuring and detailed update on the condition of Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, as preparations intensify ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nwabali, who stars for Chippa United in the South African Premier Division, had recently been sidelined with injury, raising fears within the Nigerian camp about his readiness for the tournament.

 However, Etafia, speaking from South Africa , has now confirmed that the 28-year-old has begun light training and is showing promising signs of recovery.

According to Etafia, Nwabali has moved from gym work to light training on grass, a key milestone in his rehabilitation. He added that he had spoken directly with one of Chippa United’s goalkeepers who provided first-hand information on Nwabali’s progress.

 “He has started training,” Etafia revealed in an interview with a Lagos-based  sports radio station. “I spoke to one of his teammates, the goalkeeper who was playing when he was on his absence, and he told me that now he has started training again, and he’s feeling better.”

The former Nigerian international gave further insights into the club’s schedule and how it is helping Nwabali build momentum.

 “They haven’t gone on break yet,” he said. “I think they will go on the 20th or the 22nd, so he’s still around the team. He’s feeling better now, and I think he has started both gym work and grass training, which is very good for him.”

Etafia expressed confidence that the Super Eagles’ No. 1 will be ready for AFCON, emphasising that the early signs of recovery are positive.

 “We’ll see what’s going to happen, but from what I’m hearing and from what the guys at Chippa have said, I think he’s going to be okay,” he added. “He just needs to keep working, and if he continues like this, he should be ready. I’m confident he will make it in time.”

Nwabali’s  likely return  would be a major boost to Nigeria’s AFCON ambitions, especially after his outstanding performances at the last tournament, where his composure and leadership in goal earned him widespread praise.