As Nigeria counts down to its crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, concerns are mounting over the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department following the injury scare to first-choice shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali.

During a candid discussion on Brila FM’s Breakfast Show – No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze, Nigerian football icons Augustine Eguavoen and Victor Ikpeba weighed in on the situation, cautioning against placing too much responsibility on teenage goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

While both legends acknowledged the youngster’s talent, they insisted that the 15-year-old is not yet ready for the demands of senior international football.

“I was surprised by his call-up because the goalkeeping role at this level is not for youth teams or Flying Eagles,” Eguavoen, the NFF’s Technical Director, said. “This small boy doesn’t yet have the experience. He should go, learn, and train with the big boys, then return to the junior ranks. That exposure will help him improve, but for now, he isn’t ready.”

Ikpeba, the 1997 African Footballer of the Year and member of the NFF Technical Committee, echoed Eguavoen’s sentiments, though he praised the decision as a much-needed wake-up call for Nigerian goalkeepers.

“It’s good for Harcourt to be in the squad—it shows every goalkeeper in Nigeria needs to step up,” Ikpeba stated. “If a 15-year-old is being considered, it’s a signal to the rest. But realistically, he should still feature at U-17 and U-20 level. Hopefully, Nwabali recovers, because experience will be crucial in these qualifiers.”

Nwabali’s early exit in Chippa United’s 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay left fans anxious, though the South African club is yet to officially confirm the extent of his injury. His absence could spell trouble for Nigeria, who sit fourth in Group C with only seven points—six adrift of leaders South Africa.

With just days before facing Rwanda in Uyo on September 6, and South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9, the pressure on interim coach Eric Chelle and the squad is intensifying.

For now, legends Eguavoen and Ikpeba are united in their call: Harcourt’s future is bright, but Nigeria must pray for Nwabali’s recovery if the Super Eagles are to soar.