Osimhen, Ekong pass dope tests as Nigeria, Angola battle for CAF’s $2.5m

‘Nwabali not ruled out of quarterfinal game’
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.

Osimhen and Ekong were picked for separate random dope tests following their all-out displays in the group stage of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Moses Simon and Ola Aina had earlier been tested for illegal substances by CAF, which is fighting to ensure that the Africa Cup of Nations is devoid of cheating through illegal substances.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s new number one, Stanley Nwabali, may still be available for selection for the quarterfinal duel with Palancas Negras of Angola if he passes a late fitness test set for today, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said.

Quoting team medics, the NFF said the 27-year-old copped a mild ligament injury during the Round of 16 battle with the Indomitable Lions on Saturday, and the doctors have been working on him to see if he will come good in a late fitness test 48 hours before the cracker with the southern Africans.

“Fingers crossed. If all goes well, he might be available for selection,” the NFF said.

The winner of Friday’s quarterfinal game between Nigeria and Angola will pocket $2.5 million (about N2.24 billion) as prize money, according to CAF, which has listed what each team would get at every stage of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

For qualifying for the second round, the Super Eagles are guaranteed $800,000, while they got another $1.3 million for beating Cameroon in the round of 16, just as the defeat of Angola will fetch them $2.5 million.

Should the Super Eagles get to the final, they are guaranteed $4 million, while becoming African champions at the end of the championship would earn them $7 million.

The Nigeria versus Angola quarterfinal game will hold on Friday evening.