Nigeria’s Super Eagles hope to bring its qualification for Brazil 2014 World Cup back on track as the Africa flexes muscle with their silky hosts, the Harambee Stars of Kenya, in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Just as Nigeria, the Kenyan team is also gunning to revive hopes of qualifying for the World Cup final should they defeat the Super Eagles before their home fans.
Home advantage will play a key role in pushing the Stars to victory, just as the Super Eagles will be motivated by their past dominance against Kenya even on their home soil.
Nigeria have had good preparations for this match, which included a two weeks training camp in Germany, culminating in a 2-2 draw against Mexico last Friday in a friendly match.
Even in the absence of Chelsea star, Victor Moses, the Super Eagles still have enough fire power upfront with Ideye Brown and John Mikel Obi controlling affairs in the midfield.
Situation however looks more complicated for Harambee Stars this time around with the team’s all-time highest scorer, Dennis Oliech, suspended for the fixture.
The situation leaves Coach Adel Amrouche with limited choices in front of goal, yet the team needs goals.
In the absence of Oliech, Amrouche is likely to use Kepha Aswani upfront.
Aswani is coming back into the team on the back of an outstanding performance for his Oman side, Al Nasr, for whom he scored seven goals in the just concluded season.
On the other hand, Super Eagles’ handler, Stephen Keshi is expected to make little changes from the squad that drew 2-2 with Mexico in Houston, Texas at the weekend.
Kenya is yet to record a win over Nigeria in 11 meetings.
They succeeded in holding the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in March.
It was the first time the Harambee Stars held Nigeria at home.
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