by Iwedi Ojinmah
There is an approximately 15 degree difference between the weather in Addis and Lagos today. But Nigeria does not want to be told stuff like that. She can’t afford distractions. Today for the African champion it has to be mind over matter. They must go where only Eagles dare regardless of setbacks.
One such a hurdle for Nigeria is the actual field. Keshi hates the Addis stadium surface. He calls it hard as concrete and is worried It could hurt his players – many who are bent on speed and subject to slide more before, during and after the event.
But as pointed out this is the World Cup Qualifying road game and nothing less should be expected.
Ethiopia meanwhile has been gathering steam and now lays in wait playing arguably the most important match in her football history . As one of the original founding members of Caf this is quite an accomplishment considering how long it took. The Waila Antelopes must now try to do at home what they could not in South Africa namely beat Nigeria.
Will Jemal Tesaw be Ethiopia’s Ace in the hole?
To do this they have made some big changes and their team has been totally revamped from the one Nigeria beat 2-0 In South Africa where she faced.: Sisay Bancha , Alula Girma , Degu Debebe , Biadigling Elias , Abebaw Butako , Getaneh Kebede , Dawit Estifanos , Addis Hintsa , Yussuf Saleh , Oumed Oukri , Saladin Said
Today the Eagles will face
Jemal Tesaw,Abebaw Butako,Seyoum Tesfaye Moges,Aynalem Haile Reda,Degu Debebe,.Asrat Megersa,.Adane Girma ,Minyahile Teshome,Behailu Assefa,Salhadin Said,.Shemeles Bekeleahead
As we can see the most noticeable change among the other five is in goal where Veteran Jemal Tesaw replaced Sisay Bancha who is now out. So is center back Elias Biadingling showing how stingy Ethiopia is planning to be with goals scored against her.
In a couple of hours we will see if it will be good enough to do the job as millions of Ethiopians are counting on. Meanwhile Nigeria remain unimpressed and is confident that she can hold her own for a full 90 minutes in Addis.
The game is also available on supersport.com on LIVE TEXT