Back-to-form Chippa United of South Africa goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali appears good enough to start for Nigeria against Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly match between both nations.
Sports247 gathered that, although many Nigerian football fans slammed Nwabali for letting in three goals during last Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier defeat away to Guinea-Bissau, Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle is keeping faith with him.
A strong hint in this direction emerged from reports citing Nwabali in training with the Eagles on arrival in Moscow ahead of Tuesday’s game, which comes exactly a week after the Nigerian team’s ignominious 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau, who now top their qualifying group with six points.
The friendly with Russia was initially meant to help Chelle test new players ahead of the resumption of AFCON 2027 qualifiers in November, but the report from the team’s camp in Moscow indicates that the Franco-Malian tactician will now count on some of his established regulars for Tuesday’s game.
Information provided by the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed that Nwabali was one of prominent Eagles’ players who were involved in the team’s first training session ahead of Tuesday’s game.
The report disclosed, “The Super Eagles have had their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod, as they prepare for Tuesday’s international friendly match against Russia’s senior men national team.
“The group of 17 players that trained on Saturday included 101-cap Moses Simon, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Benjamin Fredricks and Emmanuel Fernandez, as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams.
“The team will have two more training sessions on Sunday and Monday before the encounter (which is scheduled to take place) at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday evening.
“On 6 June last year, Russia and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, with the Russians going in front through an own goal by defender Semi Ajayi, before Tolu Arokodare levelled for the Super Eagles.”
Sports247 gathered further that, while Nwabali appears set to start the game on Tuesday, he will likely bow at half time and give way to Charlton Athletic of England’s new signing, Arthur Okonkwo, who is the preferred first choice of many Nigerian football fans.
