Nwabali set to return for Nigeria in the true test against Angola

The two teams lock horns at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan, in a 5pm (7pm SA Time) kick-off. 

READ: Pedro Goncalves: Angola won’t be star-struck by Nigeria in AFCON clash

Throughout the week, there have been doubts about the availability of Nwabali, who didn’t finish last week’s 2-0 win over Cameroon due to an injury. 

During the presser, Nigeria’s head coach Jose Peseiro sounded unsure about Nwabali’s availability but later during the match day minus training session, he trained with the team.

''Today, we have got to make the final decision. We have to do the final tests, but I have confidence in them,'' said Peseiro.

With most of the tournament favourites having been knocked out of this AFCON, Nigeria has been listed as the favorites for this 34th edition but Peseiro knows that with the upsets that have been recorded so far, he cannot be overconfident about their chances.

''For tomorrow [tonight], in my opinion - it is 50% chance for us to win the match. I believe in my team and the only thing we want tomorrow [tonight] is to score goals,'' added Peseiro.

Angola have proven to be a dark horse in this tournament, after winning their group ahead of big teams like Algeria and Burkina Faso, they convincingly eliminated Namibia, hammering them 3-0 in the round of 16.

 But Peseiro believes that they are showing more hunger to win this game as they build towards challenging for their fourth AFCON title.

''There is no big name in Africa, but Angola is doing very well and they are showing capacity. I can say both teams want to win this match to reach the semi-finals,'' he concluded.

The Super Eagles have conceded only one goal in this tournament and scored five in four matches, coming to the last eight with a joint-best defensive record, this is another important stat that gives Peseiro and his team confidence against the Palancas Negras, as they have been difficult to break down.