Stanley Nwabali: Jose Peseiro Gives Update on Goalkeeper's Injury Status and Replacement

Stanley Nwabali: Jose Peseiro Gives Update on Goalkeeper's Injury Status and Replacement

Robert Abong'o
updated at January 30, 2024 at 7:36 AM
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  • Nigeria coach, Jose Peseiro has given an update on the injury status of Stanley Nwabali
  • The Super Eagles goalkeeper went down during their AFCON last 16 clash vs. Cameroon
  • Omonia goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho replaced the Chippa United goalie in the 80th minute

Nigeria coach, Jose Peseiro has shed light on how the national team is handling the injury to Stanley Nwabali.

The Chippa United goalkeeper sustained an injury during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last 16 clash against Cameroon on Saturday, January 27.

He and the Indomitable Lions' Georges-Kevin N'Koudou collided in the box, with medical personnel called onto the pitch to attend to the shot-stopper.

Nigeria coach, Jose Peseiro has given an update on Stanley Nwabali, who was stretchered off in the AFCON game against Cameroon.
Nigeria coach, Jose Peseiro has given an update on Stanley Nwabali, who was stretchered off in the AFCON game against Cameroon. Photos: MB Media and Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

Nwabali continued for a few more minutes before the technical team substituted him with Francis Uzoho in the 80th minute, as reported by Premium Times Nigeria.

Addressing the media at the team's training base in Abidjan on Monday, January 29, Peseiro shared insight into the keeper's status and how they would handle the situation.

"[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," he told the press, as captured by Sports Brief.

When questioned about his backup plan in case Nwabali could not play, Peseiro said an Omonia goalkeeper was prepared to take his place.

"[I will] play Frank [Francis Uzoho]. I believe in all my players. All of them," he said.

Nwabali also previously provided insight into the extent of his injury after the intense match at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, stating the doctors would need to assess him.

"I feel great after tonight's performance. I was okay before this game, but it happened this way. I will be fine. I don't know, but I wish to come back. I still feel the pain," he explained, per Sports Brief.

Peseiro hails Victor Osimhen's efforts

Peseiro also praised Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen as 'fantastic' for his tireless performance during the Super Eagles' victory over the Indomitable Lions.

Ademola Lookman scored both goals, but the superstar's remarkable running and pressing created constant problems for the Cameroonian defence.

"He didn't score, but he had a fantastic game. It's not easy to stop that guy," Peseiro said of Osimhen, as reported by The Straits Times.

While Nigeria appears strong, the availability of Nwabali for their AFCON quarter-final clash with Angola on February 2 at the same venue remains uncertain.

What next for the Super Eagles at AFCON?

Sports Brief also reported that Nigeria forward, Moses Simon revealed Nigeria's next goal following the team’s victory against Cameroon.

He contributed to the West Africans' knockout victory, with the win serving as a form of revenge for the three-time African champions.

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Robert Abong'o
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