Chelle awaits medical report on Nwabali before deciding whether to play him tomorrow

FIRST choice Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is waiting on the decision of the team's doctors to know whether he will be cleared to feature in tomorrow's World Cup play-off against the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On Thursday, Nigeria's Eagles beat the Black Panthers of Gabon 4-1 in the first semi final, while DR Congo scored a late winner to beat Cameroon 1-0 in the other semi final. Tomorrow, the two victors will meet at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat tomorrow to decide on who go through to represent Africa in Fifa's inter-continental play-off, from where two teams will qualify for the World Cup.

Nwabali, who plays for South African  Premier Soccer League club Chippa United, picked up an injury in the Gabon game but played through the pain barrier during the closing stages of the match. Initially, it was thought he would be replaced by Udinese's Maduka Okoye but Nwabali was able to soldier on until the end of the game.

Yesterday, Nwabali did not train fully with the team, leaving the two goalkeepers in Okoye and Amas Obasogie to completed the goalkeeping training drills without him. Head coach Eric Chelle is now awaiting a full medical report before confirming whether Nwabali will start against the Leopards or not.

If he plays and against DR Congo, Nwabali will earn his 27th cap for the Super Eagles tomorrow. Of late, Nwabali, 29, has faced scrutiny in recent months for inconsistent performances but coach Chelle has expressed confidence in him, retaining the Chippa United star as his first choice goalkeeper.