Matches between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have always been feisty, and when both teams take to the pitch on Friday, the rivalry will continue as qualification for the 2018 World Cup will be at stake.
Such is the importance of this game that the Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr invited a strong 24-man squad, involving skipper John Obi Mikel who has been away since last year.
Topping the group with six points having won their first two games against Zambia and Algeria, the Super Eagles would be hoping they can get maximum points when they play Cameroon in Uyo to take their tally to nine points in three matches.
However Cameroon who stunned many to win the 2017 African Nations Cup in Gabon would fancy their chances knowing they have not lost any game too, just that they drew both games.
With Nigeria recently losing their last home game to South Africa in the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, it should spur the Cameroonians that they stand a chance too against the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles have the returning Victor Moses to also call upon, and if he reignites the sort of form that saw him score two goals against Algeria in Uyo, then he should be a handful for the Cameroonians.
Sadly for the Super Eagles, Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi who was instrumental in Nigeria’s two victories in the group will be missing having copped an injury that ruled him out of the tie.
The last time the Super Eagles faced Cameroon was in 2015 when the Nigerians defeated them 3-0 in a friendly game, with both teams last playing each other in a competitive game dating back to 2004 at the Nations Cup in Tunisia.
Both teams bring out their best when they play each other, as if they have an extra incentive motivating them. On Friday, the most motivated team of the two countries would come out on top.
Players to watch:
* Victor Moses (Nigeria) if he gets into his rhythm, he will be unstoppable, and should create most of Nigeria’s scoring chances.
* Christian Mougang Bassogog (Cameroon) named Best Player at AFCON 2017, he is a winger who could trouble Nigeria’s fullbacks.
Coaches:
* Gernot Rohr (Nigeria)
* Hugo Broos (Cameroon)
Head to Head clash: 20
*Nigeria won 10
*Cameroon won 4
*Drawn games – 6
Date, Time and Venue of the match :
*September 1st, 2017.
*5pm (Nigerian time)
*Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo
Match Prediction:
*Nigeria 2-1 Cameroon
