Sundiata Post – The head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has indicated that they will evaluate Stanley Nwabali’s injury before their match against Angola.
Nigeria advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Cameroon 2-0 on Saturday.
Nwabali was stretchered off in the closing stages of the game after colliding with Georges-Kévin N’Koudou.
The Chippa United goalkeeper was replaced by Francis Uzoho.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Peseiro said: “We will assess the state of Nwabali’s injury in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“It’s difficult to assess his condition while we were in the match. But I am hoping that he will be fit for the next match.
“I want him to play. And the players want him to play.”
Meanwhile, Nwabali had earlier dispelled insinuation that he is now Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Nwabali said he got an opportunity to represent his country, adding that he would deliver whenever he got the nod to play.
“I am still not seeing myself as number one; I always say this. I only have an opportunity, and I just want to play and give my best,” Nwabali said.
He also said that he was not under any pressure while in goal for the Super Eagles but was rather happy with his performance so far in the competition.
Nwabali has so far kept two clean sheets in the three games played so far.
He also appealed to Nigeria’s football fans to be calm, as the goals would soon start coming to the delight of all.
“For me, the goals will come when you have someone like Victor Osimhen; for me, we are not worried about goals but about the three points. And now we have qualified.
“Monday’s win is a nice feeling for me and the team,” Nwabali said.