Record breaking SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu will not be part of the squad facing VfL Wolfsburg this weekend due to an ongoing shoulder injury. Freiburg manager Julian Schuster confirmed the 22 year old is recovering well, but the match has come too soon for a return to action.
Before his injury, Atubolu set a new club milestone by keeping a clean sheet during Freiburg’s 0–0 draw against RB Leipzig, reaching 510 minutes without conceding a record previously held by Richard Golz since the 2001–02 season. The Nigeria-eligible shot-stopper has kept 10 clean sheets in 24 Bundesliga matches this season, conceding 33 goals.
Though he is yet to return to full training, Schuster insists the goalkeeper is “on target” with his recovery timeline. Atubolu’s absence has been felt, with Freiburg conceding seven goals in three matches since his injury, despite managing two wins.
His impressive form has attracted the attention of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who is monitoring his progress ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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Editorial
Noah Atubolu’s story is quietly becoming one of the most compelling in European football and Nigeria should be watching very closely. From breaking long-standing club records at Freiburg to being eyed by the Super Eagles coaching staff, this is a young goalkeeper rising through the ranks with authority.
In a country still searching for a long-term solution between the sticks, Atubolu could be the answer. His calmness, reflexes, and command of the box are traits Nigeria’s recent keepers have often lacked. And the fact that he’s already thriving in a league as demanding as the Bundesliga at just 22 speaks volumes.
The Super Eagles must act swiftly and decisively. Players of Atubolu’s quality and dual eligibility are often lost in the maze of indecision. His development must be supported, not just watched from afar. The conversation with him should start now because if Nigeria delays, others won’t.
He may be sitting out this weekend’s match, but make no mistake Noah Atubolu’s future is on the rise. And if we’re wise, so is Nigeria’s.
Did You Know?
- Noah Atubolu is the first SC Freiburg goalkeeper to go over 500 minutes without conceding in Bundesliga history.
- He was part of Germany’s U21 squad that won the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
- Atubolu was born in Freiburg to a Nigerian father and German mother and has represented Germany at every youth level.
- SC Freiburg’s previous longest clean sheet record (509 minutes) was set over two decades ago.
- Nigeria’s last regular first-choice goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues was Vincent Enyeama at Lille (2011–2017).
