Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been cleared to feature in Nigeria’s AFCON semifinal clash against hosts Morocco, easing concerns that briefly unsettled fans ahead of the high stakes encounter in Rabat.
Reports circulating earlier suggested the Chippa United shot stopper had been suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. However, the Nigeria Football Federation swiftly dismissed the claims, confirming that Nwabali remains eligible after receiving only one caution in the knockout phase, with group stage cards no longer applicable.
The News Chronicle understands that Nwabali is fully fit and focused, with the coaching crew confident in his readiness to anchor Nigeria’s defence when the Super Eagles take on the Atlas Lions at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium tonight.
While Nwabali is available, captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the semifinal after picking up two yellow cards in the knockout rounds. Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika is expected to step in as his replacement.
Meanwhile, the NFF has played down fears of biased officiating in favour of the host nation. Federation president Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in CAF officials, citing Nigeria’s past success against host teams and stressing that referees at this level understand the scrutiny involved.
Within the Super Eagles camp, preparations have continued without distractions, with optimism high as Nigeria chase a return to the AFCON final. Moroccan sources, however, are reportedly wary of midfielder Alex Iwobi, whose creative influence has been central to Nigeria’s flawless run in the knockout stage.
