Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying plans have taken a serious hit after both Akor Adams and Stanley Nwabali were sidelined with injuries – www.isagoal.com reports.
According to Soccernet.ng, Adams sustained a thigh muscle injury during Sevilla training and will miss their weekend La Liga clash against Girona.
The 25-year-old striker had been set for his first Super Eagles call-up but will now sit out Nigeria’s fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa.
Sevilla confirmed in a statement that Adams suffered damage to the adductor muscle of his left thigh and has already started treatment with the club’s medical staff.
This comes at the worst possible time, as Adams was expected to add firepower in attack alongside Victor Osimhen and Terem Moffi.
Meanwhile, Nigeria also suffered another scare after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was stretchered off while playing for Chippa United in South Africa’s Premier Division.
The 29-year-old left the pitch after 35 minutes in his side’s 2-0 victory over Richards Bay, raising concerns over his availability for September’s qualifiers.
Nwabali became a key figure for Nigeria during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his composed performances carried the team to the final.
If he fails to recover, Eric Chelle will have to turn to less experienced names like Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye, or teenage keeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
The Super Eagles are already under pressure in Group C, with only seven points from six games leaving them fourth and trailing leaders South Africa by six points.
Victory at home to Rwanda on September 3 and a positive result away in Bloemfontein are now non-negotiable if Nigeria wants to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
For Adams, this setback continues a rough spell since joining Sevilla, having already lost a large part of last season to muscle injuries.
Although he hasn’t found the net yet, Adams registered an assist in Sevilla’s opening game, a 3-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao.
Coach Eric Chelle still has attacking depth in Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, and Terem Moffi, but losing both Adams and Nwabali weakens Nigeria’s options in key areas.
Adams will now undergo rehabilitation in Spain, while Nwabali’s medical report is still being closely monitored ahead of Nigeria’s camp.