The hosts have won one and drew one in a group comprising of Kenya, Namibia and Malawi.The Nairobi boys have lost one and drew one making the game on Saturday a must win for both sides.
The pressure is therefore on both teams to win this 2014 World Cup qualifier in style in the southern coastal town of Calabar to put smiles on the faces of their faithful fans.
This is the first competitive match the West African side will be playing since they broke a trophy-less spell that lasted for 19 years,winning the African Mundial in South Africa.
In 2013, the Eagles have played eight matches, won five and drew three.
Nigeria and Kenya last clashed in a qualifying tournament for the 2010 World Cup.
The Eagles won the first game at home 3-0, before they travelled to Nairobi to again humble the Harambee Stars 3-2.
However, leading to Saturday’s showdown, there has been reports in the media that the away side were not accorded proper reception by the hosts.Top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have come out to deny such insinuation.
Keshi wielded the stick dropping the likes of Joseph Yobo, Ikechukwu Uche, Juwon Oshaniwa, Nosahare Igiebor and a hosts of others.There are fresh call-ups like Oduamandi Nnamdi, Ogochukwu Ogu and Babatunde Michael.He also recalled Kano Pillars predator Gambo Mohammed and Sunshine Stars right-back Solomon Kwambe.Seattle Sounders new boy Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins was also given a second chance.
The Eagles will be without influential defender Efe Ambrose, who is suspended.
As a result, on-loan Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona , who features for Nigeria Professional League side Sunshine Stars, will continue in central defence, while the hardworking Onazi Ogenyi should keep his place.
Chelsea duo, John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses are sure starters considering the key roles they played during the 2013 AFCON held in South Africa. Oduamandi and Michael Babatunde might get a look in.
Musa is expected to lead the forward line for the Super Eagles in the absence of AFCON scoring hero, Emmanuel Emenike against the Harambee Stars of Kenya alongside returning Seattle Sounders forward Obafemi Martins and Dynamo Kiev's Brown Ideye.
Kenya, who failed to qualify for this year’s Nations Cup, have prepared for this encounter.
They have outstanding players like skipper Dennis Oliech and Celtic Glasgow star Victor Wanyama.
Kenya coach Adel Amrouche will be the second Belgian to face Keshi after Burkina Faso’s Paul Put lost to Nigeria in the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The game in Calabar is the first for the new Coach of Kenya who has a tall order to curtail African Champions Nigeria on her soil.
Possible Starters Nigeria
Vincent Enyeama(c), Solomon Kwambe, Elderson Uwua, Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona, Onazi Ogenyi, John Obi Mikel, Sunday Mba, Ahmed Musa,Victor Moses, Brown Ideye.
Possible Starters Kenya
Duncan Ochieng, Abdalla Juma, David Owino, Brian Mandela, Mark Odhiambo, Victor Wanyama, George Owino, David Ochieng, Jamal Mohammed, Johanna Omolo, Dennis Oliech(c)
Expert Edge; The maximum points is the prize Super Eagles have at stake on Saturday. They are expected to feast on the visitors.
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