THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has clarified that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is still under consideration to feature for the Super Eagles against Angola in their AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations clash.
The Chippa United of South Africa shot stopper has started all of the Super Eagles’ four games at AFCON 2023 but he was stretchered off in the 80th minute of the round of 16 victory over Cameroon after colliding with Georges-Kevin N’Koudou.
There has been speculation about Nwabali’s availability for the quarter-final billed for Friday, with some reports suggesting that he is definitely out of the game.
But the NFF noted today that Nwabali could still be available for the match as he will face a fitness test tomorrow to determine if he will be able to play.
Citing team medics, the NFF said 27-year-old Nwabali sustained a mild ligament injury from Saturday’s collision, with the doctors working on him to see if he will pass a late fitness test 48 hours before the encounter against the Palancas Negras in Abidjan.
“Fingers crossed. If all goes well, he might be available for selection,” the NFF stated, quoting the doctors.
Francis Uzoho, the former No.1 goalkeeper who replaced Nwabali against Cameroon, is expected to step in if the Chippa United star is unable to play on Friday.
Enyimba’s Ojo Olorunleke is the third goalkeeper in the Super Eagles’ 25-man squad.
