Stallions-Super Eagles: This is one of many derbies which will be held during the 29th African Cup of Nations.
The duel between the two West African selections of group C (Nigeria, Burkina Faso) seems unbalanced if one refers to the ranking of the two teams at Afcon: Nigeria 16 Afcons (for 2 wins, 1980, 1994) Burkina Faso 8 Afcons (for a semi-final in 1998).
But Nigeria no longer has as great football team like in 1994 with Stephen Keshi. Captain of the victorious Afcon 1994, Stephen Keshi has rebuilt a group around Joseph Yobo for the return of the Super Eagles to Afcon (NDRL, Nigeria did not qualify for the Afcon 2012).
In front, the Stallions constitute a constellation of players shining in the French league of Ligue 1. It takes for Paul to find the formula that will make the mayonnaise. Some players who can make a difference in Nelspruit tonight from 18h Universal Time.
Alian Traoré (25): even if he did not like the too-term framework, the Lorient midfielder is a centerpiece of his coach’s device (like club selection). Able to release a game in a sudden strike or kick stop (a “phenomenal ball striking”, says Coach Christian Gourcuff of Lorient), he will be the man to watch in addition to twirling Pitroipa.
Jonathan Pitroipa (26): he is a nightmare for opposing defenses in League 1. Dribbler, we are still waiting for a spark from him. Evolving in free electron with the Stallions, the Stade Rennais player will have the opportunity to bring the danger around to pluck of the Super Eagles.
John Obi Mikel (25 years): The Chelsea midfielder is one of the custodians of the game system that will introduce Stephen Keshi. With his reading of the game, it may look confusing on defense and put into orbit his partners in attack.
Victor Moses (22): He symbolizes the renewal of the Nigerian football. Attacker with a power in the line of his illustrious predecessors, Moses went to school with lower grades selections with England before joining his country of birth in 2011. Shareholder of Chelsea since the summer of 2012, he has six international caps for 2 goals.