As the Super Eagles of Nigeria takes on the bees of Rwanda in today's African Nations Cup qualifier, Chat Soccer takes a look at what the fans of the two times African Champions should expect based on the previous performance of the team and the build to this game.
The last meeting between these two Sub-Sahara nations ended in a 1-1 draw at the Kigali National stadium. Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored the equaliser on that day. The match was one of the Germany 2006 World Cup qualifiers. The draw actually denied the Nigerians two vital points that would have put them ahead of Angola on the log standings. Nigeria and Angola finished with 21 points each, but the Palacas Negras qualified on a better head-to-head record.
This is the first time in over 2 decades that the Super Eagles will be involved in the preliminary stage of the African Nations Cup qualifiers. Nigeria is currently ranked 56, their lowest since the inception of the FIFA rankings. Vincent Enyeama of Lille has been invited for the match despite his inactivity for several months. The former CAF Champions League winner has only played two matches this season. If Keshi want to choose his players based on merit, Chigozie Agbim should be given the nod ahead of the Abia-born Enyeama. Joseph Yobo is expected to make his 86th cap for Nigeria today. If selected, the Fenerbahce of Turkey defender will be Nigeria's most capped player. Taiye Taiwo still remains Nigeria's preferred left back. Dickson Etuhu should be part of Nigeria's midfield legion alongside some local based players. Peter Odemwingie will be expected to lead the attack along with either Ike Uche or Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
Meanwhile, Sunday Mba from Warri Wolves has been confirmed as one of the 11 players that will be on the starting line up.
The last meeting between these two Sub-Sahara nations ended in a 1-1 draw at the Kigali National stadium. Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored the equaliser on that day. The match was one of the Germany 2006 World Cup qualifiers. The draw actually denied the Nigerians two vital points that would have put them ahead of Angola on the log standings. Nigeria and Angola finished with 21 points each, but the Palacas Negras qualified on a better head-to-head record.
This is the first time in over 2 decades that the Super Eagles will be involved in the preliminary stage of the African Nations Cup qualifiers. Nigeria is currently ranked 56, their lowest since the inception of the FIFA rankings. Vincent Enyeama of Lille has been invited for the match despite his inactivity for several months. The former CAF Champions League winner has only played two matches this season. If Keshi want to choose his players based on merit, Chigozie Agbim should be given the nod ahead of the Abia-born Enyeama. Joseph Yobo is expected to make his 86th cap for Nigeria today. If selected, the Fenerbahce of Turkey defender will be Nigeria's most capped player. Taiye Taiwo still remains Nigeria's preferred left back. Dickson Etuhu should be part of Nigeria's midfield legion alongside some local based players. Peter Odemwingie will be expected to lead the attack along with either Ike Uche or Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
Meanwhile, Sunday Mba from Warri Wolves has been confirmed as one of the 11 players that will be on the starting line up.
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