Maccabi Haifa Goalkeeper Omer Nirnon Nears Return After Injury

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for the league's return and an upcoming match against Hapoel Jerusalem. Among the players stepping up their training is Omer Nirnon, the team's second goalkeeper acquired from Maccabi Netanya last summer. Nirnon has been sidelined since January due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery. Prior to his injury, he was a key player for Netanya, starting in 20 out of 21 games and even serving as captain in two matches. He joined Maccabi Haifa to be the backup for first-choice goalkeeper Omri Glazer. In Nirnon's absence, 19-year-old Glenn Alwyn served as the second goalkeeper, sitting on the bench for the first five league games of the season.

In other team news, Maccabi Haifa midfielder Ali Mohamed played 90 minutes for Niger in their 2-0 loss to Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This defeat could complicate Niger's chances of advancing in a group that includes Lesotho and strong contender Morocco. Niger's national team will also play a friendly against Algeria on October 6th as part of their final match window.