Super Eagles’ GK Nwabali cleared for Ghana and Mali clashes, brushes off injury concerns

Super Eagles’ new number-one goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been given the green light for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly matches against Ghana’s Black Stars and Mali, as reported by Soccernet.ng.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions are set to face off against their close neighbors, Ghana, and Mali on the 22nd and 26th of March respectively in Marrakech, Morocco.

Nwabali, who solidified his position as a key goalkeeper during the recent 2023 AFCON, has been included in the 26-man squad list for the Super Eagles.

However, there were concerns when he was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s PSL clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, casting doubts on his availability for the upcoming friendly matches.

Nevertheless, reports suggest that Nwabali, who previously bounced back quickly from injury sustained against Cameroon during AFCON, is expected to be fit for the friendly encounters.

Further reports indicate that the Chippa United goalkeeper’s injury is not serious and that he is likely to recover in time for the matches.

Meanwhile, Nwabali has addressed the injury concerns on his X (formerly Twitter) page, expressing hope and determination.

“Hope and confidence. It takes just one star to pierce a universe of darkness. We don’t give up here.” he wrote, brushing off concerns.

On the transfer front, the Nigerian goalkeeper has attracted interest from Queens Park Rangers and Al-Ettifaq, with both clubs eyeing a potential move away from his current South African club.

N.B: Do you think Olorunleke Ojo and Francis Uzoho be handed more playing time in the upcoming matches? Leave your comments below.