Eagles rehearse for Madagascar
By John EGBOKHAN
A does of what to expect from Super Eagles players when they battle Madagascar on September 4 in a 20112 African Cup of Nations qualifier will be on show this weekend as the Nigerian gladiators play for their respective European clubs in league matches.
Aware of the crucial nature of the game against the Madagascans ,invited Nigerian players for the match in Antananarivo would be hoping to put up good showing for the clubs, in readiness for the trip to the Eastern African nation for the game that the two-time African champions must win to brighten their chances of qualifying for the tournament, to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
But most of them would also be playing it safe in their respective European league games to avoid any unfortunate injury which may rule them, out of the African qualifier.
Still backing in the euphoria of his father’s rescue from the hands of kidnappers in Kano, Eagles midfield star, Jon Obi Mikel will use Chelsea’s Premier League game against Norwich tomorrow at Stamford Bridge to shape up for the Nations Cup game.
Also shaping up for the game is Osaze Odemwingie, whose club, West Brom host Stoke City on Sunday at the Hawthorns. Victor Anichebe should also be in line to play for Everton when they travel to Eiwood Park to face Blackburn Rovers.
Also prepping up or the Madagascar game is Real Zaragoza’s forward, Ikechukwu Uche, who has already sounded out his readiness to star for Nigeria in the must-win tie.
The likes of Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Chindedu Obasi, Joel Obi would also be in action for their various clubs. Coach Samson Siasia is expected to monitor proceedings from the tube as he attempts to navigate a Nigerian win in Antananarivo.
Nigeria, with seven points from four games, are second behind Guinea, with ten points on the group table. The first placed team at the end of the qualifying round qualify automatically for the 2012 Nations Cup tourney while the second might still make it as one of the best placed runners-up.
