THE Super Eagles of Nigeria are up against Angola in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final game on Friday, aiming to reach the semis of the competition for the first time in five years.
Nigeria defeated arch-rivals Cameroon 2-0 in their last game to book a last-eight clash with the Palancas Negras of Angola. On the other hand, the South Africans smashed Namibia 3-0 to reach this stage of the competition.
The Super Eagles started the AFCON on a shaky note, drawing Equatorial Guinea before slim wins over hosts Cote d’Ivoire and then Guinea-Bissau to reach the knockouts with seven points. But they have grown in the tournament.
Friday’s opponents also had the same number of points but did impress. The Angolans drew 2019 winners Algeria before seeing off Mauritania and Burkina Faso to finish top of Group D.
Ahead of the clash, Super Eagles have good news as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali who was stretchered off in the win over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions is available for selection.
The team’s Media Officer Babafemi Raji confirmed this during an interview with press men on Friday.
Although Coach Jose Peseiro had said even if the Chippa United star is unfit, there is no cause for alarm.
“Stanley [Nwabali] will have a late fitness test today before a final decision will be reached. If not, I will play Francis [Uzoho],” Peseiro said in a pre-match conference on Thursday. “I have confidence in my players, including Ojo [Olorunleke].”
Head-To-Head
Before the quarter-final encounter, both sides have met 11 times with the loss of the 2006 World Cup ticket still fresh on the minds of Nigerian fans. Angola had qualified for the competition on the head-to-head rule ahead of the Super Eagles.
Of the number of games played with the Palancas Negras, Nigeria have won twice and drawn two while Angola have two victories to their name against 2013 winners.
