Despite high hopes, there are indications that two key Nigerian players may miss Sunday's final match between the Super Eagles and Burkina Faso at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.
A PANA Correspondent Saturday quoted Nigerian Coach, Stephen Keshi, as saying that the duo of Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses, Nigeria’s two leading scorers, are still nursing injuries.
Both got knocks in the 4-1 defeat of Mali in the semi-finals.
“I am not 100% sure both are fit. The doctors are still examining them. They will make a final decision few hours to the kick-off,' Keshi said.
Already, the atmosphere in Johannesburg has become charged. Super Eagles have eliminated two French-speaking countries in a row, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali. They look set to oust a third one Sunday. They will be just 90 minutes to glory.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have met in the opening glee of the tournament, but Keshi said the meeting has enabled him learn one or two lessons. “I know that our opponents too have learnt some lessons,' said Keshi.
The greatest worry about the Super Eagles is the propensity to concede late goals. In the five matches played so far, they have conceded goals in four. All the goals came in the last 15 minutes, an indication of loss of concentration.
But Keshi said he wouldn’t mind if that happens again against Burkina Faso, provided the Super Eagles have scored up to three goals.
Pana 09/02/2013