Hapoel Battle On NOSA IGIEBOR's Fitness, To Play State Cup Finals By Hook Or By Crook

Injured towards the end of training on Monday, Nosa Igiebor faces a race against the clock to be fit for Tuesday's State Cup final between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa. At the end of training, the 21-year-old midfielder had his foot bandaged.

Overused for most part of this campaign, the two-time State Cup defending champions remain hopeful that Igiebor would play a part against Maccabi by hook or by crook. Club doctors will examine the Nigeria Under 23 ace on Tuesday to know the severity of his latest injury.

Based on the team's last work-out, Hapoel Coach Nitzan Shirazi is expected to play a 4-5-1 formation with Igiebor orchestrating play in midfield. If he fails a late fitness test, he would be replaced by another player whose fitness is in doubt - the Israel international of Nigeria descent Toto Tamuz.

The State Cup final could be Igiebor's final match for the Reds. The club have a lean budget for next season, and want to do away with most of their high earning foreigners, including the former Lillestrom hero.

Igiebor is attracting interest from at least five clubs including Legia Warsaw and Dutch powerhouse, PSV.