Stanley Nwabali: Super Eagles Medical Team Speaks on Goalkeeper’s Availability for Angola AFCON Game

• Stanley Nwabali’s availability for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Angola is in doubt
• The shot-stopper had picked up an injury in the round of 16 clash against Cameroon’s indomitable Lions
• Medical staff of the Super Eagles have provided an update on the goalkeeper’s availability for Angola's clash

Nigerian fans remain on edge, eagerly awaiting updates on the potential inclusion of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in the crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match against Angola.

The 27-year-old, who seemed to breathe new life into the Super Eagles' goalkeeping department, unfortunately had to be stretchered off during the round of 16 clash against Cameroon's Indomitable Lions.

In the 72nd minute, a collision with forward Georges-Kevin Nkoudou forced the Chippa United star to be substituted.

The unexpected injury suffered by the shot-stopper continues to cause concern among Nigerians, especially considering the lack of confidence in his replacement, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.

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Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope in the lead-up to the Palancas Negras encounter. Recent footage showed Nwabali running without apparent pain, igniting optimism about his potential availability for the quarter-final clash.

However, despite the circulating footage on social media, a member of the Super Eagles' medical staff has provided clarification on Nwabali's status against Angola.

Super Eagles' medical staff on Nwabili

In an interview reported by OwnGoalNigeria, an anonymous Super Eagles’ medical staff provided a crucial update on the goalkeeper's availability.

The source clarified, "What you saw in the video is a fitness test and not full training. That's why he was alone; the other goalkeepers trained separately. It would be incorrect to say he is back in training. Our decision will be made soon after analysing his condition."

The carefully phrased statement from the medical staff seemed diplomatically nuanced and triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians. However, the medic also cited a similar case with Sadiq Umar, where an early diagnosis indicated he would be out for a minimum of one month, only for him to feature for his club four days later in the Spanish Copa del Rey.

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While the availability of Nwabali continues to cause a stir, one thing that can be agreed upon is the fact that Jose Peseiro’s team are in a race against time to have the trusted shot-stopper available for the clash against Angola.

Algeria defender trolls Morocco

Sports Brief in another report stated that Algerian defender Djamel Benlamri taunted Morocco following their AFCON defeat against South Africa.

Despite his team's disappointing campaign at the tournament, the 34-year-old took to social media to subtly mock his North African rivals by sharing a post featuring his AFCON trophy and medal.

It's worth noting that Morocco have not secured an AFCON trophy since their triumph in Ethiopia back in 1976.