Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, will have further tests on his mild ligament injury on Wednesday to determine his fitness for Friday’s crucial quarter-final match against Palancas Negras of Angola.
According to team physicians, Nwabali had a minor ligament damage during Saturday’s Round of 16 match against the Indomitable Lions, and doctors have been working on him to see whether he would recover in a late fitness test 48 hours before the clash with the southern Africans.
Babafemi Raji, the team’s media officer, revealed to reporters on Tuesday during the Eagles’ training session that Nwabali’s scan results were still pending.
“Yes, he had a test or scan yesterday, and we are waiting for the result of the scan.
“I think he’s done well so far, so good with trying to recover from the injury, and the medics are really working hard on him.
“I don’t think it’s anything too serious that will rule him out of the tournament.
“But we just have to wait until we hear the result of the scan,” he said.
He believed the team was mentally prepared for their quarter-final match against Angola.
He stated that all players give their utmost in training to assure victory.
“The boys are ready, as you can see. It’s about mental strength. Mentally, they are strong, and we are just taking it one game at a time, he said.
Also speaking, the team’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, said the players were excited about the quarterfinals but required more training and practice before the big day on Friday.
He stated that he knew the Angolans extremely well, including the players, coach, and style of play, and that they are a strong team.
“They play very well and finish first in their group. I am also aware of the good atmosphere that has been created around the team.
“They are good opponents, but our team is very good at the moment.
“We will do our very best as my players continue to work well in training, just like they have done today.
“The unused players trained very well, while the other regular players on the squad recovered, which is very necessary,” he said.
He also acknowledged that the squad was still waiting for the results of Nwabali‘s scan and that it would be difficult to determine the severity of the injury at this time.
“We will assess the state of his injury in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“But I am hoping that he will be fit for the next. I want to play him, and the players want him to play,” he said.
