Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returned to full training with the Super Eagles ahead of tomorrow’s AFCON 2023 quarter-final clash with Angola, www.aclsports.com reports.
The former Enyimba shot-stopper was stretchered off in the 2-0 win over Cameroon in the round of 16 on Saturday, raising concerns about his availability for Friday’s clash.
Having missed Monday’s session, Nwabali returned to training on Tuesday although separately, and Wednesday’s closed door session.
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, who had earlier hinted in his pre-match presser that Nwabali will be needing a late fitness test, supervised the Eagles’ final training session at Ecole Nationale de Police, Abidjan on Thursday.
The Chippa United goalkeeper joined other goalkeepers, Francis Uzoho and Ojo Olorunleke, in the session before gesturing to Nigerian journalists present with a thumbs-up sign, probably signifying he is fine to play on Friday.
Nwabali, who was not the first choice before the start of the AFCON, has started all four AFCON games for the Super Eagles, keept three clean sheets and conceded just a goal.
It remains to be seen whether he will get the nod ahead of former number one Uzoho, who Peseiro said will feature ahead of Nwabali should he fail the late test.
Meanwhile, Peseiro stressed the need to have a good spirit in the match against the Angolans.
“The two teams want to reach the semifinal, so it will be a tough match. We need to play with the maximum concentration and good spirit,” the Portuguese tactician said.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi added: “It is going to be hard, but we have been defending well, and I hope we will do what we have to do to reach the next stage.”
It is the first time the Super Eagles and the Angolans will be meeting at the AFCON as other competitive meetings gave been in the World Cup qualifiers.
Friday’s match will Kick-off at 5pm Cote d’Ivoire time (6pm Nigeria time) and it will be played at Stade Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium.
