TheCable

The Super Eagles of Nigeria welcome the Red Devils of Congo to Calabar in their opening qualifying match for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

This is the team’s first game after the round-of-16 defeat to France at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and coach Stephen Keshi is in the saddle again, albeit without a contract, to see the Eagles through the September 6 clash with Congo and the one against the Bafana Bafana five days later in South Africa.

Congo are into the qualifying series by virtue of CAF’s decision to disqualify Rwanda for using an ineligible player during the second phase of qualifiers.

Nigeria play Saturday’s game without key goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who asked to be excused to attend to family issues. But the team has kept 15 of the 23 players that went to Brazil with the likes of Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi dropped for the game.

Elderson Echiejile, who missed the World Cup because of injury, returns to the team.

But the ever-present forward, Emmanuel Emenike has said the Congolese will be a hard nut to crack on Saturday and has warned that desperation and arrogance cannot bring results especially when playing against a team like Congo and other Africa teams tagged as underdogs.

“Being the defending champions could make it tough for us and the Congolese have nothing to lose,” Emenike said.

“Maximum three points is important and that’s what we are looking forward to in Saturday’s game, but we should expect a tough test from Congo.

“Fans will be expecting a massacre, but we will be wrong if we think the Congolese will be an easy team to ride over.

“I believe we will win, but we must show humility and respect for our opponents. I understand from experience that desperation does not work for us. Everybody in camp is ready; it’s a collective battle and it will be a victorious one for us by God’s grace,” he said.

Big miss

Congo are weakened by the absence of skipper Delvin Ndinga and Jordan Massengo.

Ndinga picked up a knock while featuring for Olympiacos in a recent league game and his presence in midfield will surely be missed.

Format

The first two teams in each group qualifies automatically for Morocco 2015, while the best third place teams slug it out for the remaining spots.

All comers affair

Host governor, Liyel Imoke has ensured that lots of people turn up to cheer the Super Eagles against Congo DR on Saturday

Imoke has approved subsidised ticket prices for the popular side, cover stand and state box. The three  categories will go for N500, N3, 000 and N5, 000 respectively as against the N1, 000, N4, 000 and N5, 000 they were sold for in previous international matches.

“The action of governor in requesting us to subsidize the prices of the tickets was because the Congo game will be the first match for the Super Eagles this year,” Patrick Ugbe, a top government official, said.

“So also, he wants more fans to turn out in their numbers to support the Super Eagles on Saturday at the stadium.

“On logistics and other support, we’ve done our own part and made necessary provisions expected of us in ensuring we have a successful outing on Saturday. As far as I’m concerned, I think everything is in place and Cross River state is ready to host the best game as usual.”

Quotes

It is the start of the qualifying race for the Nations Cup in Morocco and all we want to do is to make Nigerians proud by beating Congo. We know that our fans expect nothing but a convincing win and we on our part are determined to give Nigerians what they want. Our mission is to qualify for next year’s tournament and know that a good start against Congo will boost our chances to qualify.

Austin Ejide

The only thing we want to do tomorrow is to win and from all indications, our target is within reach as all the players are in the best frame of mind to cut Congo to size.

Ogenyi Onazi

I am very sure that we will give 100 per cent to get the three points. We are motivated to excel and only beg our fans to support us all the way.

Ahmed Musa

Previous games

November 30, 1970 Africa Nations Cup, Congo 2 Nigeria 1

August 5, 1972, FIFA World Cup, Africa qualifiers, Nigeria 2 Congo 1

August 15, 1972 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Congo 1 Nigeria 1

June 13, 1975, Africa Nations Cup qualifiers, Congo 0 Nigeria 1

December 20, 1992, Fifa World Cup qualifiers, Group D Congo 1 Nigeria 0

February 7, 1993 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, Group D Nigeria 2 Congo 0

January 28, 2000, Africa Cup of Nations, Group D game Nigeria 0 Congo 0

Form Guide

Nigeria: L D W L L

Congo: D L W W L

Nigeria

Goalkeepers: Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria); David Obiazor (El-Kanemi Warriors)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Uche Nwofor (unattached); Nnamdi Oduamadi (FC Crotone, Italy); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Christian Osaguona (Enugu Rangers)

Congo

Goalkeepers: Christoffer Mafoumbi, Chancel Massa, Pavel N’Dzila.

Defenders: Francis N’Ganga, Igor N’Ganga, Marvin Baudry, Arnold Bouka Mutu Boris Moubhio Dimitri Bissiki, Manick Itoua, Baron Kibamba.

Midfielders: Prince Oniangue, Julsy Boukama-Kaya, Césaire Gandzé ,Wisdom Babele, Hardy Binguila, Saira Issambet.

Strikers: Thievy Bifouma, Fode Dore, Franci Litsingi, Ladislas Douniama, Kader Bidimbou, Sylver Ganvoula, Christmas Mokouka.