The Nigeria national team have reportedly received yet another goalkeeping blow amid uncertainty over the selection of Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United ahead of the international break.
Last month, Nigeria appointed former Mauritania boss Eric Chelle as their new head coach on a contract until January 2027.
According to reports, Chelle is now facing a bit of a crisis ahead of his first two matches in charge when the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in late March.
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The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles technical staff are reportedly concerned over their number one Nwabali's readiness following the tragic loss of both his parents within the space of two months.
In November 2024, Nwabali lost his father and, on 1 January 2025, the player sadly announced that his mother had also passed on.
Second-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has not played a game for his side Udinese since December 2024 due to a wrist injury.
Worryingly, Okoye is also said to be embroiled in an investigation after he was accused of being involved in a betting scandal.
Given the goalkeeping issues facing the nation, it is reported that the NFF have tried to convince Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu to switch allegiance from Germany to Nigeria amid some brilliant displays in the Bundesliga this season.
Atubolu has been making headlines in the German top-flight this term, as he became the first shot-stopper to save four penalties in a Bundesliga season.
The 22-year-old is said to be of Igbo-Nigerian descent, although he was born in Germany and represented the country at various national team youth levels.
However, their attempts to convince Atubolu have seemingly hit a brick wall, causing more headaches for Chelle before announcing his squad for the World Cup qualifiers in March.
"Atubolu is a closed chapter for now. You can go and verify we made overtures to him for a year and even in December. However, he seems to be very confident of making the grades with Germany. We have to respect his wishes," an unnamed chief of the NFF told OwnGoalNigeria.com.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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