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| Lion Fan |
The Super Eagles will be looking to redeem themselves after being humbled by DR Congo on Thursday night Vice losing 2-0 to the Leopards.
It was a game characterized with a lot lethargic play and a subdued performance that probably resonated from the squabbles in the team’s camp few days before the game.
Former captain Vincent Enyeama had a fall out with Oliseh and subsequently left the Eagles camp. A few hours later, he announced his international retirement.
The build up to the game had been chaotic from the start with players getting inured and Oliseh having to make do with a tiny squad as he opened camp due to the inability of some players to get entry visas to Belgium.
Cameroun on the other hand have a relatively quite time in Belgium preparing for the game as Volker Finke prepares his wards for the 2018 World Cup preliminary rounds with another eye on the 2017 Afcon qualifiers next year.
The Indomitable Lions defeated Belgian Jupiler Liga side KV Oostende 3-1 on Thursday night in a friendly game almost the same time Nigeria was pummelled by the DRC.
Nigerian striker Joseph Akpala scored for Oostende as early as the second minute but Cameroun scored three times through Vincent Aboubakar, Aurelin Chedjou and Clinton Njie to win the game.
Oliseh will have to get his charges ready to face a rampant Cameroun side who will be looking to do a number on Nigeria considering the much documented rivalry between the two sides.
The last time Nigeria and Cameroun met, it was a 2-1 victory for the Super Eagles as a Jay Jay Okocha inspired Eagles lead Nigeria to a quarter final win over the Lions at the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 2004.
Nigeria will welcome the duo of Chima Akas and Austin Oboroakpo who weren't involved in the first game because they got to Belgium late after being held up in Nigeria due to visa issues.
Cameroun will sweat over the fitness of Olympique Marseille defender Nik Nkoulou after he picked up a knock.
Key match ups:
Clinton Njie v Leon Balogun
This will be a very interesting battle as Njie’s pace is one his biggest asset and it will be a very big test for Balogun who was average against DR Congo on Thursday night.
Njie, who is with Tottenham Hotspur was on target in Cameroun’s win against KV Oostende and will look for more against the Super Eagles.
He plays from the left side of midfield for Cameroun which will pit him directly against Balogun on match day if they both get to play.
Ahmed Musa v Aurelin Chedjou
‘Air Nigeria’ as Ahmed Musa is popularly called will test his wits against Cameroun centre back Chedjou on match day. The Nigeria skipper was a shadow of himself against DR Congo and would want to make amends against Cameroun.
He is going to come up against a tough centre back who is good in the tackle and excellent aerially.
Musa’s pace will definitely be an issue for the Galatasaray defender who isn't exactly the quickest defender out there.
By SuperSport
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