Tremendous Eagles followers can breathe a sigh of reduction! Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has shaken off harm considerations and shall be between the posts for Nigeria of their essential AFCON 2023 quarter-final in opposition to Angola on Friday.
Nwabali's participation was initially unsure after he suffered an harm throughout Nigeria's thrilling 2-0 win over Cameroon within the spherical of 16.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old Chippa United goalkeeper has been diligently collaborating in coaching and has been medically cleared to face Pedro Goncalves' Angolan facet.
The information comes as a great addition for the Tremendous Eagles, who need to e book a spot within the semi-finals.
Tremendous Eagles docs attend to injured Stanley Nwabali throughout Nigeria's second spherical match in opposition to Cameroon through the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 to e book a quarter-final ticket in opposition to Angola.
Nwabali even shared a message on his X account on Wednesday, albeit cryptic as there was no point out of his readiness for Friday's match in opposition to Angola.
Because of everybody who has checked in and proven unrest in a roundabout way throughout this troublesome time, I recognize it. We’re all human and something can occur. On to the following! ❤️🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/XnXB3tfmf1
— Nwabali Stanley Bobo (@NwabaliBobo) January 31, 2024
However camp sources have informed The Guardian that he shall be prepared for the match in opposition to Angola after participating in coaching on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Nwabali was a rock in objective all through the event, conceding simply as soon as in 4 appearances. That solitary objective got here within the Tremendous Eagles' AFCON 2023 opener in opposition to Equatorial Guinea, and the goalkeeper has since stored three consecutive clear sheets in opposition to Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Cameroon. His composure below strain has confirmed essential to Nigeria's defensive resilience.
Nevertheless, the Tremendous Eagles shall be with out their captain, Ahmed Musa, who suffered a thigh harm throughout coaching this week. Wingback Brilliant Osayi-Samuel has additionally been dominated out as a consequence of a knee harm. Each gamers have missed essential minutes within the event, with Musa but to characteristic and Osayi-Samuel making two appearances.
Regardless of these setbacks, the Tremendous Eagles stay assured. Nwabali's restoration gives a big increase to morale, and the crew shall be decided to honor their absent teammates by securing victory in opposition to Angola.
The match in opposition to Angola, who completed prime of Group D, consisting of Algeria, Burkina Faso and Mauritania, earlier than beating Namibia 3-0 within the spherical of 16, guarantees to be an exhilarating affair, however with Nwabali anchoring Nigeria's protection, Tremendous Eagles have a powerful basis to construct on of their quest for a fourth AFCON title.
