Nwabali has been a constant fixture in Nigeria’s goalposts since the AFCON started, but he could miss the quarter-final clash against Angola
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has revealed that they are still awaiting a scan before deciding on Stanley Nwabali’s availability for Nigeria’s game against Angola, Soccernet.ng.
Nwabali has been a revelation for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He surprisingly made the squad just weeks before the start of the competition, but he has taken over the number one role, albeit Francis Uzoho dons the jersey.
With Nwabali in goal, the Super Eagles have conceded just one goal in the tournament, and he has not made any notable error in the competition.
Unfortunately, he sustained a knock in the quarter-finals against Cameroon after Christopher Wooh bumped into him while he was attempting to claim a ball.
The team physios treated him, but he did not last long, as he left the game in the 80th minute. However, after the game, the medical team revealed that it was nothing serious.
Still, Nwabali has yet to be passed fit for the quarter-finals against Angola on Friday, and there are fears that he could miss the fixture.
But ahead of the game, coach Peseiro has revealed that the Chippa United shot-stopper’s availability will be decided after a late test.
“Today, we will take a final decision, we are waiting for the last test, but if he is not fine, I have confidence in Francis Uzoho and Olurunleke Ojo,” Peseiro said per Soccernet.ng.
Uzoho, who was Nigeria’s first choice before the AFCON, has been poor on many occasions, and Nigerian fans are skeptical about his ability. But he would likely be the one to man the sticks if Nwabali does not make it.
Nigeria will win