Head to Head: Nigeria vs Cameroon

SUPER EAGLES: Emmanuel Okala, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, the Late Rashidi Yekini and Emmanuel Amuneke.

INDOMITABLE LIONS: Thomas Nkono, Theophile Abega, Roger Milla Albert, Patrick Mboma and Sam Eto’o Fils.

These are not just big names in football, they were voted African Footballers of The Year at different times.

Looking forward to Friday, none of the present generation of Nigerian or Cameroon players is awesome, either in name or presence to send jitters down the spines of opposition. DIPO OGUNSOLA takes a look at a couple of players who could try to make things happen for their respective country.

John Mikel Obi: When Nigeria lost an AFCON 2019 qualifier 2-0 at home to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, a lot was said of the absence of the Super Eagles captain. Not necessarily a match-winner but when he is in his element, he is capable of positive construction and effective ball control. However, he has not played top flight game in four months, so it could be risky to expect so much from him.

Oghenekaro Etebo: A thorough-bred Nigerian footballer, the untiring midfielder is one of those few Eagles who will be asked to match the Cameroonians grit-for-grit. He is a fearless figure who uses his gut to make up for a lack of experience at the top level.

Victor Moses: The Chelsea ace can do well if he decides to do it. Highly talented YET inconsistency both at club and country level has adversely affected full expression of his potentialities. He will likely win many fouls for the Eagles, how well the Eagles can make use of the resultant dead balls is another story entirely.

Vincent Aboubacar: Having played alongside Sam Eto’o and Pierre Webo among others, Boubacar has learnt the ropes. In a Cameroon team that thrives mostly on solidarity of movement, Aboubacar is rated as the man who can make the difference like he did at AFCON 2017 final where he scored the decider in a 2-1 win over the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Michael Ngadeu: A calm figure at the Lions centre back, he may lack the ferocity of the legendary Rigobert Song but he is so sensible that he plays smoothly from the back to deflect tension on the opposing half. Let it be noted that that Ngadeu is one the highest scorers at the successful AFCON 2016 win with two goals to his credit.

Christian Bassogog: Left footed ace will cause the Eagles a lot of worries with his pace, in fact, he is the fastest of all the 22 players that will be on parade. His cut-backs are mostly predictable, yet Bassogog has the ability to upset unwary opponents. He carries with him the pride of being voted AFCON 2017 Best Player.

PAST ENCOUNTERS

Games won by Nigeria:                 10

Games drawn by Nigeria:               6

Games lost by Nigeria :                  4

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