CHAN 2018 : Home Eagles in battle of survival against Squirrels

Nigeria’s home Eagles are in for the battle of their lives this weekend at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano as they seek to overrun the Squirrels of Benin Republic in the second leg second round qualifying match for the finals of the CHAN 2018 billed for Kenya.

Last weekend in Cotonou, the Benin Republic capital, the host set the panic button on Nigeria running with a shock 1-0 win at the Stade de l’Amitié courtesy of the Squirrels skipper, Seibou Mama who scored a late penalty that sealed the first leg for the home team.

Today in Kano, it will be the survival of the fittest as the Squirrels of Benin will attempt to extend their lucky run over the home Eagles and book a ticket to Kenya.

Coach Salisu Yusuf and his wards know the importance of this encounter and will not want to take the game for granted. Yusuf who has been working assiduously since the team returned to camp will depend on striker Stephen Odey, Sikiru Olatubosun and Thomas Zenke to convert chances from Osas Okoro and the wingers. He would also be hoping that defenders Stephen Eze, Chima Akas and Kalu Orji Okogbue and captain of the side, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa live up to their billings.

No doubt, the Squirrels would come out confident with a goal advantage to their benefit and work towards pulling a draw against Nigeria as they hope to further punish Nigeria like was the case in 2010 when the home-based Super Eagles failed to beat the Menas of neigbouring Niger Republic.

The game had ended goalless and signaled the end of Nigeria’s second attempt to play in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) since the competition was introduced.

The home-based Eagles handled by ex-international, Daniel Amokachi, failed to cancel their two-goal deficit due to poor marksmanship throughout the duration of the match.

Meanwhile, attacking winger, Sikiru Olatunbosun says he is confident the home-based Super Eagles will triumph over the Squirrels of Benin Republic in the return fixture in Kano.

“Although the result did not reflect our performance in the match, we are grateful to God. It was a slim loss so our ambition is still alive.

“We are all looking forward to the return leg. Going by what we did in Cotonou, I can say confidently that we would beat our opponents to pick the ticket to the 2018 CHAN,” he said.Get free Business Tips and Training NOW on Internet Marketing Using Automated System.Click Here For Instant Access.