Super Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, Stanley Nwabali, will undergoes further tests on his mild ligament injury on Wednesday to determine his fitness for the crucial quarter-final match against Palancas Negras of Angola slated for Friday.
According to team medics, the 27-year -old copped a mild ligament injury during the Round of 16 battle with the Indomitable Lions on Saturday, and the doctors have been working on him to see if he will come good in a late fitness test 48 hours before the cracker with the southern Africans.
Babafemi Raji, the team’s media officer, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday during the Eagles’ training that the result of the scan was still being awaited.
“Yes, he had a test/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.
On the team’s training ahead of their quarter-finals clash with Angola, he said the players were mentally prepared ahead of the game.
He said that all the players are giving their 100 per cent in training to ensure 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, Jose Peseiro, the team’s head coach, said the players were pumped up ahead of the quarter-finals but needed more training and practice before the D-day on Friday.
He said that he knew the Angolans very well, including the players, coach, and their style of play, adding that they are a very formidable side.
“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 confirmed that the team was still awaiting the result of Nwabali’s scan, adding that it would be difficult to ascertain the degree of the injury at the moment.
“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 match. I want to play him, and the players want him to play,” he said.
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