Big match feature: Nigeria v Morocco

Nigeria's Super Eagles will go head-to-head with the Atlas Lions of Morocco in a quarterfinal match of the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa.

Stephen Keshi's men come into the knockout stage after defeating Mozambique and South Africa in their last two games while the Moroccans are one of the unbeaten teams at the tournament after notching up a win and two draws to win Group B.

The Super Eagles are now tagged as one of the favourites following their outstanding performance against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Nigeria surely have depth going forward as they have netted the highest number of goals so far after netting eight times in three games, averaging 1.6 goal(s) per game.

But the Super Eagles biggest worry has been defending where they have conceded five goals, which is the highest than any of other seven quarterfinalists.

Despite the weakness at the back, Morocco will have to also work to keep the like of Ejike Uzoenyi, Ifeanyi Ede, Rabiu Ali and Gbolahan Salami at bay.

Morocco, on the other hand, have conceded two goals and scored four with three coming in their last group match against Uganda.

Keshi and his men will have to be wary of the plucky North Africans who prefer a 4-4-2 formation with the like of Mouhssine Iajour, Mohsine Moutaouali, Abdessamad Rafik, Abdelkabir El Ouadi and Brahim El Bahri in the thick of things.

Hassan Benabicha's team have adopted a style of short passes and using the flanks when attacking and that is where the Nigerian defence will have lots of work to do.

Nigeria will be without Solomon Kwambe and it is likely Keshi will field a back four of Bright Esieme, Kunle Odunlami, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Erhun Obanor.

However, Nigeria head coach, Keshi, has said he will prefer his team do the job on the pitch.

"We don't want to talk much as we would prefer to do all the talking on the pitch," he said.

Benabicha has branded the Nigeria versus Morocco game as "the match of the tournament."

"The match against Nigeria should be the match of the tournament; talk of a final before final and this is it. We should provide the spectators with a really treat of a game. I personally am relishing the prospect of this encounter," Benabicha told Cafonline.com.

The Nigeria - Morocco match is live on SuperSport 4 and Select as well as in High Definition from 16.45 CAT this Saturday.

Probable line-ups

Nigeria: Chigozie Agbim (c); Bright Esieme, Kunle Odunlami, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Erhun Obanor; Abdullahi Shehu, Rabiu Ali, Ugonna Uzochukwu; Ejike Uzoenyi, Gbolahan Salami, Ifeanyi Ede

Morocco: Nadir Lamyaghric (c); Abderrahim Achchakir, Zakaria El Hachimi, Mohamed Abarhoun, Mohamed Oulhaj; Issam Erraki, Walid El Karti, Anas Al Asbahi, Mohsine Moutaouali; Brahim El Bahri, Mouhssine Iajour

Rufai gives Keshi thumbs up on Agbim

Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has given a thumb up to Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi for keeping faith with the first-choice shot stopper, Chigozie Agbim at the Chan.

Agbim's performances in the side's first two matches against Mali and Mozambique raised dust among Nigerians leading to concerted calls for his replacement at the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa.

Rufai said the former Nigerian defender must have been a super human being to withstand the pressure and still allow the Enugu Rangers goaltender to keep his shirt at his lowest point.

"Keshi and his technical crew have done excellently well to keep faith with Agbim as well as assist him to regain self-confidence in the championship.

"Any other coach could have collapsed under the weight of pressure to drop the keeper especially after his unconvincing performances in the games against Mali and Mozambique.

"It's a huge plus and uncanny demonstration of professionalism by the crew to stand by the goalkeeper in his trying time.

"Agbim truly picked up in the game against South Africa and we're most likely to see further improved goalkeeping in the quarterfinals tie against Morocco on Saturday.

"Goalkeeping has always been a position you treat with utmost care especially as it concerns replacement.

"Right now it's no longer an issue for discussion whether or not to drop the goalkeeper as he has picked up both in match and mental fitness as well as perfect conditioning, and tournament rating," said the former Stationery Stores goalkeeper to supersport.com.

Rufai said the Eagles will advance to the semifinals but must work hard to earn the ticket against expected tough North African foes.

"Traditionally, Morocco are fast on the flanks and technically sound but the Eagles can unnerve the side with endurance and strength. That's the edge we have over them that'll decide the game.

"For the Eagles to have survived the hosts with their massive crowd showed no other obstacle will be able to hold them down.

"I'm confident the Eagles will progress to the semifinals at the expense of Morocco," Rufai enthused.

Gata joins Kukesi

Erstwhile Kwara United striker, Ismaila Gata has teamed up with Albania top flight side, FC Kukesi, supersport.com can report.

Gata, 21, put pen to paper on Sunday night on a one-year deal after completing his medical examination which certified him fit.

Gata has been training with Kukesi since last week before signing the deal on Sunday and the impressive forward was in joyous momentum when speaking to supersport.com.

“I have just signed my contract paper which I'm happy with, and I can't wait anymore to start playing for my new club.

“I thank all my friends, family who stood by me when things were difficult for me and I would never forget Abdulkareem Abdulazeez who really helped me in Ilorin,” Gata exclusively told supersport.com.

Gata has also played for ABS, Prime FC, Enyimba and was part of the 3SC team that got relegated last season in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

FC Kukesi, who have crashed out this term from the Europa League, occupy third position on the Albania league standings with 25 points.

Lobi promote youth team goalkeeper

Lobi Stars have promoted youth team goalkeeper, Sunday Ali, from Lobi Feeders, which campaigns in the Nigeria Nationwide Division One League (amateur class) to the first team in the Glo Premier League.

Ali joins the duo of Terkaa Melai and Daniel Atsaka as well as Terhemen Akombo, who has returned to the club in the first team.

A native of Oturkpo, Ali was scouted by former Nigerian International, John Zaki, who serves as youth team coach, during a grassroots competition, at North Bank, in the state capital, Makurdi.

“It’s a sign of his dedication to duty.

“Ali joined Lobi Feeders in November last year and club supremo, Dominic Iorfa and the coaches were satisfied with his performance in Friday’s friendly against the first team. That’s the reason for his elevation,” Zaki said to supersport.com

Ali joins Suleiman Ochimana and Michael Anura, who were recently promoted to the first team ahead of the new season.

The Makurdi side is renowned for its dependence on players in its youth team and the club won two awards at the last League Bloggers Awards.

Central defender, Stephen Eze, was named Best Youth Team Draft, while the club won Best Youth Team award.

Quiet weekend for Nigerians abroad

Michael Uchebo represented the sole Nigerian goalscorer in any of Europe’s top leagues at the weekend.

The 23-year-old netted his fifth league goal of the season as Cercle Brugge beat Sporting Charleroi 3-0 in Belgium’s Super League.

Nigeria's other goalscorer at the weekend was Victor Moses but that happened in the English FA Cup.

On a week when the stats largely flattered to deceive, supersport.com now rounds up the best of the action from a Nigerian perspective.

Belgium (Jupiler Pro League)

Ezekiel Imoh played all 90 minutes for Standard Liege in their 1-0 success at Lokeren.

Chimezie Mba and Gabriel Reuben are now the two Nigerians on the books of KV Red Star Waasland - Sportkring Beveren but neither was listed in the club’s 1-2 loss to KV Oostende at Albertparkstadion.

Uchebo is currently enjoying a purple patch in front of goal and he scored his fifth league goal of the season in Cercle Brugge’s 3-0 win over Sporting Charleroi at the Jan Breydelstadion.

Kenhinde Fatai was back in the Club Brugge starting 11 but failed to prevent the club’s 0-2 loss at Anderlecht.

England (FA Cup)

Victor Moses was back among the starters for Liverpool and the winger made it count with a telling contribution in the shape of a brilliant goal as the Reds steamrolled AFC Bournemouth 2-0 at the Goldsands Stadium.

John Obi Mikel was an unused substitute for Chelsea in the Blues’ 1-0 success over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.

France (Ligue 2)

Sunday Mba scored his second goal in as many games for bottom-of-the-table CA Bastia in the thrilling 2-2 draw against Istres at the Stade Armand Césari.

Ligue 1

The wheels appear to be coming off for hitherto high-flying Lille OSC and Vincent Enyeama.

The Mastiffs are now 10 points adrift the leaders, PSG after their 1-1 draw against Rennes at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Elderson Echiejile was not listed as AS Monaco beat Olympique Marseille 2-0 at Stade Louis II.

Germany (Bundesliga)

Chinedu Obasi was an unused substitute for Schalke in the 3-0 win over Hamburger SV at the Imtech Arena.

Italy (Serie B)

Nnamdi Oduamadi replaced Ahmed Benali in the 89th minute of SC Brescia’s 0-1 loss to Virtus Lanciano at the Stadio Comunale Guido Biondi.

Serie A

Joel Obi was not listed for Parma in their 1-0 win over Udinese at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Ogenyi Onazi was suspended for SS Lazio’s game against Juventus - a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico - because of the red card he picked up last week.

Scotland (Premiership)

Efe Ambrose played all 90 minutes for Celtic in the Hoops’ 4-0 win over Hibernian at Easter Road Stadium.

Spain (Primera Lig) 

Nosa Igiebor is yet to return from an injury-enforced absence as he missed Real Betis’ 2-4 loss to Celta Vigo at Estadio de Balaídos.
Odion Ighalo played no part in Granada’s 0-2 loss to Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Ighalo was not listed by the club’s manager, Lucas Alcaraz.
Ikechukwu Uche played all 90 minutes in Villarreal’s 0-1 loss to Real Valladolid at Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla.
Ramon Azeez played all 90 minutes in Almeria’s 1-0 win over Getafe at Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos.
Turkey (Super Lig)
Godfrey Oboabona played all 90 minutes for Rizespor in their 1-3 loss to Gençlerbirligi at Ankara Ondokuz Mayis Stadyumu.

Taye Taiwo played all 90 minutes for Bursaspor in their 3-1 win over Eskisehirspor at the Bursa Atatürk Stadyumu.

Olaitan serves notice in Greece

Former Nigeria junior international, Michael Olaitan, has now firmly cemented his place in the first team of Greek Super League club, Olympiacos.

The 20-year-old now appears to score when he wants and was again on song as the Super League entered match day 21 at the weekend.

He was man-of-the match in Olympiacos’ 2-0 win over Skoda Xanthi at the SKODA Xanthi Arena on Sunday.

Spotting a rather bizarre-looking Mohican, Olaitan soon ensured he was hogging the headlines for the right reasons when he scored the opening goal of the contest in the 24th minute.

The Xanthi defence failed to clear an Olympiacos corner and the unmarked Olaitan was on hand to sweep home from four yards with his left foot.

Moments earlier, the midfielder felt he was hard done by when he was not awarded a penalty when the Skoda Xanthi captain, Spyros Vallas appeared to bundle him to the ground inside the penalty area.

He however had himself to blame for not hitting the target a few minutes later when he skewed his shot wide with just the Xanthi goalkeeper, Chema Jiménez to beat.

He ensured he finished the game on a high by providing an intelligent assist for Olympiacos’ second goal of the night on 88 minutes.

Picking up a pass just inside the Xanthi half, he toyed with defender, Dimitrios Goutas; involuntarily dragging him to the byline before supplying a smart cut back that the grateful Alejandro Dominguez did well to prod home from two yards.

Olaitan has now scored four league goals this season following previous successes he recorded in games against Ergotelis, Asteras Tripolis and Levadiakos.

He has made 11 league appearances for Olympiacos this season.

Former Nigeria junior international, Michael Olaitan, has now firmly cemented his place in the first team of Greek Super League club, Olympiacos.

The 20-year-old now appears to score when he wants and was again on song as the Super League entered match day 21 at the weekend.

He was man-of-the match in Olympiacos’ 2-0 win over Skoda Xanthi at the SKODA Xanthi Arena on Sunday.

Spotting a rather bizarre-looking Mohican, Olaitan soon ensured he was hogging the headlines for the right reasons when he scored the opening goal of the contest in the 24th minute.

The Xanthi defence failed to clear an Olympiacos corner and the unmarked Olaitan was on hand to sweep home from four yards with his left foot.

Moments earlier, the midfielder felt he was hard done by when he was not awarded a penalty when the Skoda Xanthi captain, Spyros Vallas appeared to bundle him to the ground inside the penalty area.

He however had himself to blame for not hitting the target a few minutes later when he skewed his shot wide with just the Xanthi goalkeeper, Chema Jiménez to beat.

He ensured he finished the game on a high by providing an intelligent assist for Olympiacos’ second goal of the night on 88 minutes.

Picking up a pass just inside the Xanthi half, he toyed with defender, Dimitrios Goutas; involuntarily dragging him to the byline before supplying a smart cut back that the grateful Alejandro Dominguez did well to prod home from two yards.

Olaitan has now scored four league goals this season following previous successes he recorded in games against Ergotelis, Asteras Tripolis and Levadiakos.

He has made 11 league appearances for Olympiacos this season.

.

The 20-year-old now appears to score when he wants and was again on song as the Super League entered match day 21 at the weekend.

He was man-of-the match in Olympiacos’ 2-0 win over Skoda Xanthi at the SKODA Xanthi Arena on Sunday.

Spotting a rather bizarre-looking Mohican, Olaitan soon ensured he was hogging the headlines for the right reasons when he scored the opening goal of the contest in the 24th minute.

The Xanthi defence failed to clear an Olympiacos corner and the unmarked Olaitan was on hand to sweep home from four yards with his left foot.

Moments earlier, the midfielder felt he was hard done by when he was not awarded a penalty when the Skoda Xanthi captain, Spyros Vallas appeared to bundle him to the ground inside the penalty area.

He however had himself to blame for not hitting the target a few minutes later when he skewed his shot wide with just the Xanthi goalkeeper, Chema Jiménez to beat.

He ensured he finished the game on a high by providing an intelligent assist for Olympiacos’ second goal of the night on 88 minutes.

Picking up a pass just inside the Xanthi half, he toyed with defender, Dimitrios Goutas; involuntarily dragging him to the byline before supplying a smart cut back that the grateful Alejandro Dominguez did well to prod home from two yards.

Olaitan has now scored four league goals this season following previous successes he recorded in games against Ergotelis, Asteras Tripolis and Levadiakos.

He has made 11 league appearances for Olympiacos this season.

Pellegrini lauds Aguero after Cup fright

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini underlined the importance of Argentine international striker Sergio Aguero following his hat-trick in the 4-2 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Watford.

Aguero took his goal tally to six in four games since his month-long lay-off with a calf injury as City came from 2-0 down to overcome the Championship club on Saturday and book a place in the fifth round.

With a place in the League Cup final secured and a last-16 tie with Barcelona in the Champions League on the horizon, City remain on course to win four competitions in Pellegrini's first season at the club.

And with Aguero having now scored 25 goals in 24 games, across all competitions, it is clear that the in-form forward will be integral to any success City enjoy.

"Sergio's a top player, very important for us," said Pellegrini, whose side are currently in second place in the Premier League.

"The first idea was for him not to play 90 minutes because he has been playing 30, 45, 60 and the idea was for him to play 60 or 70. But he had to play the whole match. He made the difference."

On City's chances of claiming an unprecedented quadruple of trophies, Pellegrini added: "It's the same question the media asks every week. I don't know what will happen in the future.

"I'm absolutely sure if we play as we did in the first half, it is impossible. If we play as we did in the second half, maybe we can continue in all competitions.

"We're not thinking about that. We've had a cup week, continued in the Capital One (League) Cup and taken another step in the FA Cup. Now, we have four games in the Premier League and will continue to try and win every game."

Beaten Watford manager Giuseppe Sannino, however, was less cautious in his analysis of the team that had just knocked his side out of the competition.

"I used to watch Manchester City on TV. Tonight (Saturday) I saw them from the touchline," said the Italian, who succeeded countryman Gianfranco Zola in December.

"They have a lot of very, very good players. Yes, I think they can compete for all four titles they are looking for. But you know, football is very strange so they have to be focused every single game."

Aguero's three well-taken goals were joined by a 25-yard shot from Aleksandar Kolarov, which squirmed past goalkeeper Jonathan Bond in the 87th minute to put City in front for the first time in the match.

Earlier, City had looked in danger of the most unlikely of upsets when goals from Fernando Forestieri and Troy Deenet brought the visitors a deserved 2-0 halftime lead.

"If I could change 11 players at halftime, I would have changed all of them," said Pellegrini.

"It was more to do with attitude and intensity than the performance of individual players. The whole team didn't do things we normally do.

"But in the second half, we played with another tempo, another pace, and we continued to play the way we have the whole season at the Etihad."

The Chilean added: "We did not under-estimate Watford, but at halftime I was very worried. I told the players before the match that in the FA Cup, the Spanish Cup, the Italian Cup, everywhere, the team that plays from another division has a lot of motivation.

"I said if we didn't play with 100 percent concentration and intensity, we wouldn't win the game. In the first 45 minutes we were jogging and, in that way, it was impossible to win.