All is now set for the crunch encounter as the Super Eagles of Nigeria do battle with Taifa Stars of Tanzania in in the second match day of the 2017 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers as coach Sunday Oliseh looks to get his first official win as Super Eagles coach.
After failing to secure a spot in the 2015 AFCON finals, Nigeria started their 2017 AFCON qualification campaign on the bright note after a convincing 2-0 win over Chad in their opening match at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Their opponents, Tanzania, are in tough situation after they lost their first game against Egypt and will be looking to use the advantage of playing at home to get a positive result.
The Eagles will be without Torino midfielder, Joel Obi in Saturday’s AFCON qualifier in Dar es Salam.
Another blow for Nigeria is the absent of captain Vincent Enyeama who withdrew from Tanzania game for personal reasons.
Coach Oliseh have downplayed the skipper’s absence for the crunch tie.
The former Vervietois manager has shrugged off concerns that Enyeama’s absence would worry the camp. The ex-midfielder during his playing days for the national team said every player will be given equal opportunity to feature for the team and none will hold the country to ransom.
The technical and tactical strength of Oliseh will be subjected to intense scrutiny, as nothing short of victory will vindicate the former Borussia Dortmund and midfielder whose appointments as manger of Nigeria national has generated plenty of arguments.
Saturday’s game provides an ample opportunity for Oliseh to justify his appointment and prove his critics wrong by ensuring Nigeria gets the maximum three points in Dar es Salam.
Ahead of the battle in Dar es Salam, ex-international, Henry Nwosu has sounded a warning signal to Oliseh and his technical crew to be wary of the Tanzania national team.
“ Super Eagles must approach the game with caution and never underrate their opponent. We must not loss the game because it’s going to determine our chances of making to the 2017 Cup of Nations, ” Nwosu said.
The former midfielder also advised the 3-time African champion to be physically and mentally fit before and after the crucial tie.
“ I expect Oliseh to study the game for the first 15 minutes and allow the boys to express themselves by playing attacking football.
Meanwhile, Tanzania skipper, Nadir Haroub, has vowed his side will make life miserable for the Super Eagles.
“ With the exception of one player who is injured, all our players are fit and ready to shock Nigeria and I believe we will win the game, ” Haroub boasted.
Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, have urged Nigerians to rally round Oliseh and his boys.
“This first game is very important. I am happy that the NFF made provision for the team to depart with a chartered aircraft. It was very painful that we did not qualify for the last AFCON. We have to put that behind us now and forge ahead. We have a new coach and he needs our support, ” Yobo added.
“It is that passion that will see him do well as the national team coach. One other thing is that he is so knowledgeable about the game. He has played football at the highest level with very reputable clubs. There is a lot that the young boys will learn from him. I sincerely see him doing well with the team. He needs our support.”
Anthony Nlebem
