Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali is hopeful of returning to action for Nigeria as quickly as possible as the Super Eagles continue their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title at the ongoing 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.
Nwabali was injured in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Cameroon on Saturday, making him doubtful for the next game on Friday and even the remainder of the competition.
The Chippa United goalkeeper was fouled by Georges-Kevin N’Koudou while saving a cross in his box. He then requested to be substituted in the 80th minute after receiving an initial treatment on the pitch.
He was seen at the end of the game with his knee strapped while coach Jose Peseiro said the team would await further scans on the injury to know the extent.
“I’ll be fine but I’m still feeling pain. For the next game, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll wait for the doctors but I wish to come back,” Nwabali told journalists at the mixed zone on Saturday.
“My name is Nwabali Stanley, I will be back stronger. Safe hands,” he also wrote on Facebook.
The 27-year-old has been Nigeria’s first choice at the AFCON, displacing Francis Uzoho, who was subject of criticism from Nigerians.
Nwabali has been in goal for all Nigeria’s four games at the 2023 AFCON including Nigeria’s pre-tournament friendly against Guinea in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.
He has conceded just once in four appearances at the AFCON and three times in all his five games for the country, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Depending on the team doctors’ diagnosis, the goalkeeper faces a race to be fit for Nigeria’s quarter-final clash against Angola at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday.
Credit: punchng.com
