Russia-based striker Emmanuel Emenike is set to lead the Eagles
charge for goals against Burkina Faso Monday night in Nelspruit.
Emenike is preferred to the prolific Ikechukwu Uche, who was the top scorer for Nigeria with three goals in the qualifying tournament for the 2013 AFCON.
The Spartak Moscow centre forward has struggled to fire the goals in a green-and-white shirt since he made his long-awaited debut against Sierra Leone in Lagos in February 2011.
However, coach Stephen Keshi rates him very highly, even tipping him to match the exploits of the country’s most prolific international striker the late Rashidi Yekini.
His power will stand him in good stead against a very physical Burkina Faso, who go by the apt nickname of The Stallions.
He is expected to now deliver with the help of the wing play of the tricky Chelsea star Victor Moses and the speed of Ahmed Musa, while Mikel marshals a midfield that also includes Fegor Ogude and Nosa Igiebor.
The defence is goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, fullbacks Elderson Echiejile and Efe Ambrose with the central defence pairing of skipper Joseph Yobo and Godfrey Oboabona.
Skipper Yobo said even though the Eagles are yet to lose at full international level to their fellow West Africans, he expects a stern test from them on Monday night.
“Burkina Faso are a very good side who can cause us trouble if we are not ready,” the Fenerbahce defender said at a press briefing on Sunday.
“This is the Nations Cup and every other team has a good chance like we do. When we get to the pitch, they would be up for it. We would also be up for it.
“It will be a big battle and hopefully we expect to come out with the three points.”
Eagles probable starting XI vs Burkina Faso
Vincent Enyeama – Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Joseph Yobo – Fegor Ogude, Mikel Obi, Nosa Igiebor – Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses
Emenike is preferred to the prolific Ikechukwu Uche, who was the top scorer for Nigeria with three goals in the qualifying tournament for the 2013 AFCON.
The Spartak Moscow centre forward has struggled to fire the goals in a green-and-white shirt since he made his long-awaited debut against Sierra Leone in Lagos in February 2011.
However, coach Stephen Keshi rates him very highly, even tipping him to match the exploits of the country’s most prolific international striker the late Rashidi Yekini.
His power will stand him in good stead against a very physical Burkina Faso, who go by the apt nickname of The Stallions.
He is expected to now deliver with the help of the wing play of the tricky Chelsea star Victor Moses and the speed of Ahmed Musa, while Mikel marshals a midfield that also includes Fegor Ogude and Nosa Igiebor.
The defence is goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, fullbacks Elderson Echiejile and Efe Ambrose with the central defence pairing of skipper Joseph Yobo and Godfrey Oboabona.
Skipper Yobo said even though the Eagles are yet to lose at full international level to their fellow West Africans, he expects a stern test from them on Monday night.
“Burkina Faso are a very good side who can cause us trouble if we are not ready,” the Fenerbahce defender said at a press briefing on Sunday.
“This is the Nations Cup and every other team has a good chance like we do. When we get to the pitch, they would be up for it. We would also be up for it.
“It will be a big battle and hopefully we expect to come out with the three points.”
Eagles probable starting XI vs Burkina Faso
Vincent Enyeama – Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Joseph Yobo – Fegor Ogude, Mikel Obi, Nosa Igiebor – Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses
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