Tom Saintfiet has the unenviable job of facing a strong Nigerian side for his first challenge in charge of Ethiopia. The Belgian replaced British coach Iffy Onuora, who was in charge until the 4-0 thumping of his team in the first leg in Abuja.
He is, however, keeping a couple of the boys from Onuora’s squad while injecting new blood. The Ethiopians have three points in as many games and anything short of a victory at home will mean failure to qualify for their first African Nations Cup since 1982.
High confidence in Super Eagles camp
Fresh from a 4-1 trouncing of two time world champions Argentina in Abuja, the Super Eagles will go to Addis Ababa brimming with a great deal of confidence. Samson Siasia's attacking formations have been praised, but his choice of midfielders and defenders have also put in a decent amount of work to block out opponents.
The Nigerians are hoping to earn qualification for the Afcon and a victory against the Antelopes will put pressure on group leaders Guinea ahead of their clash in Abuja in October.
TEAM NEWS
Ethiopia
Saintfiet has dropped SuperSport striker Fikru Tefera from his squad and is bringing a local-based side for this game. The Antelopes have played two warm up matches with Sudan under Saintfiet. They lost one and drew the other.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Zerihun Tadesse, Yidnekatchew Kidane, Jemal Tessew
Defenders: Alula Girma, Abebaw Butako, Sisay Demissie, Berhanu Bogale, Mengistu Assefa, Aynalem Hailu, Zenebe Kebede, Biadgelegn Elias.
Midfielders: Yared Zenabu, Menyahel Teshome, Shimeles Bekele, Asrat Megersa, Tesfaye Alebachew, Mesfin Ahmed
Strikers: Adane Girma, Oumed Oukri, Chala Driba, Biniam Assefa, Gegre-Micheal Yaco
Nigeria
Siasia is keeping his squad the same from the Argentina game. It is without star striker Peter Odemwingie, due to disciplinary issues. Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses are on standby pending the resolution of their international future with the England FA and Fifa.
Probable starting XI:
Vincent Enyeama; Chibuzor Okonkwo, Efe Ambrose, Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo; Joel Obi, John Mikel Obi, Kalu Uche; Obinna Nsofor, Victor Anichebe, Ikechukwu Uche.
PREDICTION
Ethiopia will find it hard breaking down this Nigerian side and the fact that they have a new coach will not work in their favour. However, they are underdogs in this encounter, and that might just spur them on.
Ethiopia 1-3 Nigeria
