Peseiro gives update on Stanley Nwabali’s injury status

Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, has provided an injury update on Stanley Nwabali, who had to be carried off the field during the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023 round of 16 match against Cameroon on Saturday, January 27.

The Chippa United goalie who has only conceded once in four appearances so far in the tournament collided with Cameroon’s Georges-Kevin N’Koudou in the box, and had to be replaced by Francis Uzoho in the 80th minute of the encounter, due to evident discomfort.

There have been contradictory reports about the fitness of Nwabali ahead of Nigeria’s quarter-final clash with Angola, but the team’s gaffer Jose Peseiro, gave an insight into the goalkeeper’s status yesterday, January 29, at the team’s first training session for the next challenge.

“[Nwabali] underwent an MRI [scan] today. It’s not a significant injury, but we need to assess his availability for the upcoming match in the next two days,” the manager said.

On his likely replacement in case Nwabali isn’t cleared to play: “[I will] play Frank [Francis Uzoho]. I believe in all my players. All of them.”

What you should know

During Nigeria’s return to training yesterday, Nwabali was pictured training alone, as he appeared to be limping.

Stanley Nwabali training alone during Super Eagles' training today as he limps.

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However, the Super Eagles Media Officer Babafemi Raji, allayed the fears of journalists in Abidjan yesterday, when he said: “We are expecting the test results later today, but we are very hopeful it will be positive.”

“Right now, I can tell you all of Nwabali’s head and heart is on that leg. Give or take, we should have him back for the game against Angola,” Mr Raji affirmed to Premium Sport.