With the crucial quarter-final match between Nigeria and Angola in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quickly approaching, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has implored Nigerians to support and pray for the team’s victory on Friday (Today).
Following Saturday’s second-round victory against Cameroon, millions of Nigerian football fans are concerned about Super Eagles custodian Stanley Nwabali’s fitness level.
Nwabali was stretchered off with an injury during the second round match against Cameroon, and was replaced by second-choice Francis Uzoho, who finished the game in a 2-0 victory over the Indomitable Lions.
But speaking on Channels Television’s Sports Tonight programme on Thursday night, the Super Eagles coach offered some hope on Nwabili’s fitness, saying that he is recovering well from the injury.
Peseiro, however, did not confirm if his number one goal tender would be in the starting lineup in Friday’s encounter with Angola. He said that he would confirm if Nwabali would be available to play tomorrow before the game.
“Stan is injured and he is recovering but tomorrow I will know if he is available to play or not,” Peseiro said.
The Portuguese tactician promised to stick to the same formation that has gotten the team to this stage, saying that he cannot change his current formation so long as it continues to give him the results.
On whether he is under pressure haven taken the favourite tag following the elimination of other top teams from the competition, Peseiro said he has been under pressure from the first day he took the job of coaching the Nigerian national team.
He also said that the players are equally relaxed, adding that any player who cannot handle pressure cannot play for the Supper Eagles.
Star striker Victor Osimhen has only scored one goal so far in the competition, but the coach expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying that he works so hard for the team.