Yaoundé — After 90 minutes this evening here in Yaoundé, Nigeria will know whether the ticket to the World Cup 2018 in Russia has become a done deal.
Already, hosts, Cameroon and their Indomitable Lions have become dispirited and gutted by the 4-0 defeat they suffered against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo last Friday.
Their know that their Russia 2018 aspiration is over.
They have nothing to play for now beyond their pride. Even if they win all their remaining three matches including today’s game with the Super Eagles, the best they will end up with is 11 points.
This explains why their Belgium born Coach, Hugo Broos, admitted after the Uyo massacre that it was all over for the reigning African champions.
“There is no pressure anymore tomorrow (Monday). Nigeria have nine points, we have two points,” Broos stressed, insisting further that.
“If we (Cameroon) had won the game in Uyo, we would have a chance, but we lost it and I hope everyone will learn from this.”
However, despite that submission by the Cameroon gaffer, Gernot Rohr and his glory seeking Eagles will be the least interested o take the wounded Lions for granted.
Cameroon have pride to play for right in from of their partisan home fans. This is why Broos warned Nigeria that honour is what is at stake in this evening battle of Yaoundé.
From the training, it was obvious the handlers of the team were going to introduce some players not used in Uyo to the starting line up to take on the Lions.
Both Leon Balogun and Odion Ighalo who are still nursing the knocks they received during the Uyo battle may not start.
There is the possibility of the introduction of either Israel based Anthony Nwakaeme or Kelechi Iheanacho for Ighalo. Rohr is keeping the joker of likely replacement for Balogun to his chest.
Of course, with the form exhibited by FC IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, is is obvious that he is going to be handed the number 1 jersey.
There is the likelihood of Chelsea defender Ola Alina making his debut here while Elderson Echiejile keeps his left back starting shirt.
