Yakubu Aiyegbeni has played and scored goals for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough,  Everton,  Leicester and now Blackburn Rovers. Little wonder he was the most recognized and celebrated Eagles player in training yesterday.

About five thousand fans watched Eagles train for today’s match that will kick off 3.30 pm in Nigeria.  It takes place at Regionale de Nyamirambo stadium, a 12 thousand capacity facility built by FIFA as one of its Goal Projects for developing countries.  The fans cheered Aiyegbeni who responded and that delighted them. Osaze Odewengie and Joseph Yobo were other players who were applauded as they made for the bus after the training.

Ikwueke stands out with Yobo

A picture of what Stephen Keshi may present today in the Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda came to the fore in their training meant to conclude their tactical plan and also acquaint them with the artificial turf on which the match will hold.

This may not be exact but based on the training,  home boy and Warri Wolves Azubuike Ikwueke appears certain to pair Joseph Yobo in the central defence that may have Vincent Enyeama as the keeper behind them.

Dickson Etuhu, Joel Obi  may be in the midfield and Obinna nwachukwu, another home boy may play even if he is not in the starting line-up. But it is possible he starts. Juwon Oshanuwa of Sharks has worked hard enough to challenge Taiye Taiwo for the left back position and may have his chance soon if he does not start today.

There could also be a place for Sunday Mba, the Warri Wolves striker who scored two goals in the friendly in Liberia. Sani Kaita was sharp in marking and if assessed by only yesterday’s training he may have a role in the team. Then Osaze Odewengie and yakugbu Aiyegbeni may be the strikers to start.

If Mba starts, Osaze may play wide to the left.  Ahmed Musa, Ejike Ozaoenyi, Victor Moses, Ike Uche may all have a chance from the bench.

Yobo out for a record but . . .

Joseph Yobo will be setting a record of the most capped Nigerian when he steps out against Rwanda in the Nations Cup qualifier today. He will earn his 88th cap to set aside the record of late Muda Lawal.

Asked in a pre match media chat how he would feel  about it the Fenerbache defender said victory in today’s game would matter to him more than any record breaking outing that is not followed with victory. Rwandans feel that they are invincible at Nyamirambo Stadium and that the best Nigeria would earn will be a draw. Eagles want to break whatever jinx visiting teams face here.

“It will feel great but what matters first is a victory. Record setting comes second in my mind. Victory matters most and that comes first to me.  I didn’t know I’ll come this far.

It still pains that we didn’t qualify for the last Nations Cup but this is a new beginning and the coach has brought in some fresh legs into the team and we are all determined to forge ahead as strong team.”
Keshi said that he was not expecting an easy match and that his players would give it their all.