By Gbemidepo Popoola
The news, “Nwabali not ruled out of quarter-final clash with Angola”, has been greeted with lots of cheers and optimism in and out of the Super Eagles camp in Cote d’Ivoire, the venue of the ongoing African Cup of Nations 2023 (Afcon ).
But, how did they get here?
An area of strength for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a point in time, with so many options available at every point in times past, has now become an area of concern.
Nigeria, a country with a rich history of goalkeepers at different age-grade levels and at the national team squad in previous years, is now in dearth of such talents.
A country that has produced the likes of Wilfred Agbonavbare, Alloy Agu, Inua Rigogo, Best Ogedengbe, Emmanuel Okala, Ike Shoromu, Peter Rufai, and most recently Vincent Eyeama; Who’s arguably the best goaltender to ever come out of the African continent.
Stanley Nwabali, the current stand-in for the flailing no.1, Francis Uzoho has been outstanding in goal, in his last 4 appearances, giving his defence the much-needed confidence it needs with his vocal presence, and his tidy displays in goal.
But that was until the injury sustained in his last outing which, has resulted in a cause for alarm among the impressed, teeming Nigerian fan base, and in turn, the question.
What happened to our ever-reliable Goal-keeping pool?
While we are pondering on that, Nwabali according to updates from the team camp, may still be available for selection for the quarter-final duel on Friday, with Palancas Negras of Angola if he passes a late fitness test set for today.
According to team medics, the 27-year-old copped a mild ligament injury during the Round of 16 battle with the Indomitable Lions on Saturday, and the doctors have been working on him to see if he will come good in a late fitness test within 48 hours, and in 24hrs latest, before the cracker with the southern Africans.
Fingers crossed. If all goes well, he might be available for selection.
The Chippa United goal-tender has won the hearts of Nigerians with his self-assured posture between the sticks and his penchant for launching onslaughts with long kicks that have been unsettling the opposition at this tournament.
But, the question remains… What happens if he doesn’t get certified fit enough to make the match day?
Third choice Ojo Olorunleke, from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Enyimba, would most likely not be making his competitive debut at a Quarterfinal stage.
Hence, Nigerians are left with the error-prone Francis Uzoho whose ball handling and box control, leave enough to be desired. Hence, the valid fear of the neutrals. As it’s an anomaly they are not used to.
This brings us to the initial question, What happened to Nigeria’s ever-reliable Goal-keeping pool?
