In the lead-up to the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Angola, Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has shed light on the lingering uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeping position.
The focal point of concern revolves around the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who recently suffered a mild ligament injury during Nigeria’s victorious Round of 16 encounter against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Despite the setback, there is a glimmer of hope for the Nigerian squad as the Chippa United goalie has valiantly returned to full training alongside his teammates.
Peseiro, however, remains pragmatic about making premature decisions regarding Nwabali’s involvement in the crucial quarter-final fixture scheduled for Friday.
In a press interaction, Peseiro clarified, “We have not reached a final decision yet. Stanley is progressing well, and we are closely monitoring his recovery. The medical team is working diligently to assess his readiness for the upcoming match against Angola.”
The Super Eagles coach acknowledged the significance of the looming decision and emphasized the need for a comprehensive evaluation before determining Nwabali’s fate in the starting lineup.
“A final test is scheduled for Thursday (today),” Peseiro revealed, gesturing towards the meticulous approach the coaching staff is adopting. “Following that assessment, we will decide whether he can start or not. It’s crucial to ensure his well-being and avoid any potential risks.”
Peseiro, however, exuded confidence in the depth of talent within his squad, particularly in the goalkeeping department.
He pointed out the formidable alternatives at his disposal, stating, “We are fortunate to have capable goalkeepers in the team. Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo have demonstrated their prowess on numerous occasions. They are more than capable of stepping up to the challenge and filling the void left by Stanley, if necessary.”
The looming uncertainty surrounding Nwabali’s participation adds an extra layer of anticipation and suspense to the Super Eagles’ quarter-final clash against Angola.
As the footballing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the final fitness test, the tactical decisions and contingency plans crafted by Peseiro will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining Nigeria’s journey through the AFCON 2023 tournament.
