AFCON 2023 : Jose Peseiro provides update on Stanley Nwabali ahead of Angola showdown

Super Eagles of Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro has responded to questions about the update on Stanley Nwabali ahead of the team’s quarter final showdown with Angola in the AFCON.

Stanley Nwabali has been a revelation for the Super Eagles of Nigeria so far in Ivory Coast, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just once in four games.

The Chippa United man was taken off in the final ten minutes of the Super Eagles’ recent game in AFCON, a 2-0 win over Cameroon to secure a place in the quarter finals.

When will Stanley Nwabali return ?

Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro has now confirmed that the Goalkeeper will have to pass a late fitness test to see if he will be able to return in goal when the Super Eagles lockhorns with Angola in the capital city of Ivory Coast, Abidjan.

Speaking on the possibility of Stanley Nwabali returning to action on Friday night in a prematch press conference, Jose Peseiro, accompanied by Fulham man Alex Iwobi said ;

“We have to wait for a late fitness test today, if he is not ready, I have other goalkeepers (Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo). I believe and trust all my goalkeepers, if Nwabali is not fit, I trust Uzoho.”

Francis Uzoho, who lost the No.1 spot to Stanley Nwabali at the start of the AFCON replaced him for the final ten minutes against Cameroon and he will be the huge favourite to start should the clash come too soon for Nwabali.

There’s optimism that Stanley Nwabali will be fit to start in the match, and that will be a better news for fans in the country.

Hassan Afolabi