Former Egyptian national team goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has expressed optimism about the future prospects of Al-Nassr goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi following his return from suspension.
The Saudi Professional League’s Committee for Professionalism and Players’ Affairs suspended Alaqidi for five months and fined him 300,000 Saudi riyals due to his involvement in the rebellion against joining the Saudi national team for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
El-Hadary, speaking on the “Inside Sport” program on SSC channel, remarked, “I believe Nawaf Alaqidi will be the future of Saudi football.”
The current goalkeeping coach for Syria emphasized that Alaqidi showcased outstanding performances with the Saudi national team during the Gulf Cup in Iraq, where he delivered an exceptional tournament.
El-Hadary added that he anticipates Alaqidi to become the primary goalkeeper for the Green Falcons.
“Regardless of his recent dispute with the Saudi national team, I expect his return to be very strong, and I urge him to prepare well during the suspension period,” El-Hadary continued.
Nawaf Alaqidi did not participate in the first leg match against Al-Fayha last Wednesday, nor did he feature in today’s rematch between the two teams in the AFC Champions League.
