| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
NIGERIA  Enyeama Taiwo, Yobo, Ambrose, Okonkwo Obasi, Joel Obi, Ayila, K Uche I Uche, Ideye | BOTSWANA  Dambe Thuma, Gabonamong, Ohilwe, Ramohibidu Mongala, Mogorosi, Selolwane, Mafoko Moloi, Ramatlhakwane |
Nigeria begin another process of rebuilding less than a year after their last re-enactment under Samson Siasia.
Former captain Stephen Keshi is now in charge of the team and everyone waits to see the cards he hopes to play in returning the Super Eagles to the pinnacle of African football after failing to qualify for next year’s continental showpiece.
In this, his first outing, Keshi will be under pressure to prove that he was the right choice to take over the leadership of the squad.
Botswana are having the fairy tale of their lives after having qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history. The Zebras have worked hard so far and will hope to use this game against Nigeria to prepare for their group matches against fellow west African sides Ghana, Mali and Guinea.
Coach Stanley Tshosane has seen his stock rise in his home country after qualifying the Zebras for Afcon 2012, and he will be keen to show the whole of Africa that his charges can trouble the Super Eagles and mix it up with the best the continent has to offer.Botswana will be without key members of their squad including goalkeepers Modiri Marumo and Noah Maposa. Nigeria welcome back goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama into the squad. Kaduna United’s Jude Aneke has been invited to join the Super Eagles squad to replace West Brom’s Peter Odemwingie, who asked to be excused so that he could recover from persistent knee problems.
| | DID YOU KNOW? |
- This will be Stephen Keshi's first game in charge of Nigeria, following the sacking of Samson Siasia and Keshi's appointment.
- While Botswana topped their qualifying group with 17 points, Nigeria only managed
11 and failed to qualify for the 2012 Afcon. - Nigeria are ranked 44th by Fifa while Botswana have recently risen to 89th.
- While an array of Nigerian players are based in Europe, the only Botswana players that are based outside of their country play in the South African Premier Soccer League.
- Current Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi captained the national team to their last major title victory when they won the Afcon in 1994.
Prediction
Nigeria badly need a win to regain confidence after their recent failure. Stephen Keshi should have a group of hungry youngsters who will try to impress him during his first game in charge. Defeating the Zebras will not be an easy task in Benin City.
Editor's Prediction
Nigeria 2-0 Botswana
