Stanley Nwabali will be available for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final after the Nigeria Football Federation moved quickly to dismiss reports claiming the goalkeeper was suspended.
Speculation had circulated earlier this week suggesting the Super Eagles’ first-choice keeper would miss the clash against Morocco due to accumulated yellow cards. The NFF, however, has confirmed that Nwabali is fully eligible to feature when Nigeria face the hosts at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 8.00 pm.
The federation explained that Nwabali has only one booking in the knockout stage, with any yellow cards picked up during the group phase no longer counting. As a result, the 27-year-old is cleared to continue guarding Nigeria’s goal as the team pushes for a place in the final.
While Nwabali is available, Nigeria will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the knockout rounds. His place in midfield is expected to be filled by Raphael Onyedika, who has impressed in recent outings.
Away from team selection, the NFF has also played down concerns around possible biased officiating in a match involving the host nation. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the match officials, pointing to Nigeria’s recent success in Morocco during last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
Gusau stressed that African football’s top officials understand the scrutiny that comes with matches of this level and will carry out their duties fairly, regardless of the setting or the teams involved.
Inside the Super Eagles camp, confidence remains high. Preparations have continued smoothly at the Hotel Rihab and the Complexe Sportif Mohamed VI, with players maintaining their routines and focus ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Morocco, meanwhile, are understood to be wary of the influence of Alexander Iwobi, who has been central to Nigeria’s attacking play. The midfielder has consistently broken opposition lines with his passing, playing a key role in dominant wins earlier in the tournament and contributing assists in the group stage.
Iwobi, who is set to earn his 96th international cap, will once again be expected to dictate the tempo as Nigeria aim to end the hosts’ title hopes and book their place in the AFCON final.
