Eagles, Lone Stars ‘war’ in Monrovia

[MrVan]

By John Egbokhan

Nigeria's bid to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Korea  will tomorrow come under stiff test when they confront the Lone Stars of Liberia at the Monrovia National Stadium.

After their failure to make the qualification grade for the last edition jointly-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon earlier in the year, the Coach Stephen Keshi-tinkered Eagles side will be seeking to avoid a defeat against their Liberia foes, who have promised to crush the visiting two-time former champions.

Keshi, who has selected 11 foreign-pros and some home-based players for the first leg final playoff match in Monrovia, has challenged his troops to professionally battle their hosts tomorrow. He said that the onus was on the Eagles to beat their opponents, warning that failure to pick points was going to put pressure on the players when the reverse fixture holds in Nigeria.

"We are playing against a very serious opponent, who are like us, are eager to qualify for the African Nations Cup. It is going to be war all the way in Monrovia but we are not taking any prisoners back with us. What we want to take is the points at stake and I count on your professional ability to emerge conquerors", said Keshi.

Keshi is banking on the likes of Skipper Joseph Yobo, Emmanuel Emenike, Vincent Enyeama,  Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Obiora Nwankwo, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Ikechukwu Uche as well as the home lads, comprising Azubuike Egwueke, Sunday Mba, Chigozie Agbim, Ejike Uzoenyi, Gabriel Reuben, Godfrey Oboabana, Izu Azuka, Sani Sanusi, Philip Asuquo, Zango Umar, Jabason Solomon, Solomon Kwambe and Emmanuel Francis,

On their part, Liberia's mobilization chairman for tomorrow's match, Hon. Edwin Snowe has told the Lone Stars to reenact what they did in 2001, when the Super Eagles came for a match in Monrovia, which the hosts won.

"When the time came, Liberia defeated Nigeria 2-1", adding that history can repeat itself if Liberians will provide the necessary support to the national cause.

In that game on 2001, Musa Shannon, the current vice president at the LFA, scored twice before Nwankuo Kanu found the consolation goal for the Super Eagles.

Vanguard Nigeria

[Nifemi Donald]

I pray we do not miss this Oncoming African Cup of Nations this time around.The result is not good enough let's tell ourselves the truth

[Tina lawrence]

Eagles own is even better.i heard what is going on in Cameroun.the players even went on strike at a point