AFCON 2023: Nigeria Get Stanley Nwabali Boost With Goalkeeper Commanding Training for Super Eagles

AFCON 2023: Nigeria Get Stanley Nwabali Boost With Goalkeeper Commanding Training for Super Eagles

Jarryd Westerdale
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
In this article:
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Stanley Nwabali logo
S. Nwabali
-GNigeria logo
Angola logo
Angola
Angola
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  • Stanley Nwabali has returned to training for Nigeria and will likely play against Angola
  • Nigeria's number one was stretchered off after taking a severe knock against Cameroon
  • The Chippa United man has impressed many international observers during AFCON 2023

Nigeria's last line of defence has been reinforced.

The Super Eagles' granite slab, who has served as the foundation of the defensive solidity, has been observed throwing himself around the six-yard area.

Stanley Nwabali is back in full training and his presence will be a reassuring sight for Messrs Bassey, Ajayi and, Troost-Ekong.

Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria, Super Eagles, AFCON 2023, Angola, quarter-finals.
Stanley Nwabali returned to training the afternoon before Nigeria are set to face Angola in the AFCON 2023 quarter-finals. Photo: Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

Nigeria have not conceded at AFCON 2023 since the 36th minute of their opening match in Abidjan against Equatorial Guinea.

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Everyone in and around Lagos was concerned as Nwabali was stretchered off in the final 10 minutes of their comprehensive win against Rigobert Song's Cameroon.

As well as footwork training, the keeper was seen moving freely and diving to the turf without any signs of discomfort.

With the elimination of Senegal, the Super Eagles have assumed the mantle of outright favourites, but they will be aware of an Angolan team who easily brushed aside southern neighbours, Namibia.

Coach, Jose Peseiro has refuted Nigeria's presumed ascension to the crown, saying each match is 50-50 and that his team will not consider themselves favourites until the job is done.

His Angolan counterpart, Pedro Goncalves has not played into the Nigerian hype, claiming his team knows how to break down the Super Eagles and their star goalkeeper.

If they stop Nigeria, Angola will accomplish a special feat as the West African giants have made the final four in seven of the last 11 AFCONs, dating back to 2000.

Sports Brief has compiled a full preview of the important quarter-final between Nigeria and Angola.

Andre Onana shows Stanley Nwabali love

Sports Brief has also reported on Cameroon goalkeeper, Andre Onana's moment with his Nigerian counterpart.

Nwabali and Manchester United's number one exchanged pleasantries before their AFCON Round of 16 clash.

In the days after Nigeria's 2-0 win, Nwabali took to social media to show appreciation and respect for Onana.

Authors
Jarryd Westerdale photo
Jarryd Westerdale
Jarryd Westerdale (based in Johannesburg) joined Sports Brief after four years in the community journalism sphere. He is a two-time Alet Roux Award winner and was a finalist in multiple categories at the Forum of Community Journalism Excellence Awards.