Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong have been declared free of illegal substances by the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) anti-doping body.
This announcement comes as Nigeria and Angola gear up for their highly anticipated quarterfinal clash in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Following their exceptional performances in the group stage, Osimhen and Ekong were subjected to separate random dope tests by CAF. The aim of these tests is to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the tournament by eliminating any presence of illegal substances.
Prior to Osimhen and Ekong, Moses Simon and Ola Aina had also undergone similar tests, highlighting CAF’s commitment to a clean and drug-free competition. With these assurances and preventive measures in place, football fans can rest assured that the Africa Cup of Nations is a level playing field for all teams involved.
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However, there is a slight concern regarding Nigeria’s new number one goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali. The 27-year-old sustained a mild ligament injury during the Round of 16 battle against the Indomitable Lions. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that Nwabali will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability for the quarterfinal clash with Palancas Negras of Angola.
The NFF remains cautiously optimistic about Nwabali’s chances of participating in the crucial match. The team’s medical staff has been working tirelessly to treat his injury and assess his fitness levels. If Nwabali passes the late fitness test, he could potentially be selected to defend the goal against Angola, adding strength and depth to the Super Eagles’ lineup.
The stakes are high for both Nigeria and Angola as they vie for a spot in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations. Beyond the glory and honor that comes with progressing in the tournament, there is also a significant financial incentive for the victorious team. According to CAF, the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Angola will walk away with a hefty prize of $2.5 million (approximately N2.24 billion).
This substantial cash reward serves as a testament to CAF’s commitment to promoting and developing African football. The prize money breakdown for each stage of the tournament further highlights CAF’s dedication to providing adequate financial support to participating teams. For reaching the second round, the Super Eagles have already secured $800,000. Their victory over Cameroon in the round of 16 earned them an additional $1.3 million. Should they emerge triumphant against Angola, the Super Eagles will add another $2.5 million to their growing prize money tally.
Looking ahead, the ultimate goal for Nigeria is to reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. If they achieve this feat, they will be guaranteed a staggering $4 million. However, the true glory lies in being crowned African champions, which would result in a remarkable prize of $7 million.
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The quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Angola is scheduled to take place on Friday evening. Football enthusiasts and supporters from both nations eagerly anticipate this thrilling encounter, where skill, determination, and fair play will be on full display. As the battle for CAF’s $2.5 million prize intensifies, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown between two of Africa’s football powerhouses.
