BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
After last Thursday’s misadventure at home, the Super Eagles must have learnt a bitter lesson that no team should be underrated, no matter the status such team commands. It is in that sense that they have to approach the second of their 10-match series with greater determination.
In seven previous clashes, the Nigerian team prevailed four times over Zimbabwe including a 3-0 victory in Harare in the qualifying series for the 2006 World Cup in Harare.
But in most cases, reliance on past exploits or glory could be a grave mistake. That was what happened to the Super Eagles on Thursday.
Perhaps, the Matchday 2 game will offer a redemption. Ahead of the match, there are two players the Super Eagles have to watch.
Tinotenda Kadewere
He plays for Olympique Lyonnais as a centre-forward and leads the attack of the Warriors of Zimbabwe. At 27, he may not boast of the same exploits like Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, but he is a potent force in the attack line of Zimbabwe.
He has scored five goals in 19 games since his debut in 2015. if left unmarked, he could be the one to bring down the Super Eagles.
He is dynamic and can play anywhere across the front three. His main assets are his deep runs and ability to switch to the flanks. A close eye should be kept on his movements, or else, just one chance in front of goal could cause danger for Spittler’s side.
Marshal Munetsi
A defensive midfielder who gets involved in goals, Munetsi is a very dangerous player who can singlehandedly decide the game…any time.
He has scored two goals and provided three assists for French Ligue 1 side Stade Reims so far this season, and it’s not a bad contribution for a defensive midfielder.
Munetsi was feared to miss the November qualifiers after he suffered a broken nose in his club’s game against Lorient on October 28 but he returned to action wearing a protective mask and played 90 minutes as his club lost 3-0 defeat to PSG last weekend. He is now fit to face Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers.
If the Super Eagles allow him to have a filled day in midfield and also embark on his runs to their half, he could kill the game and punish them at the same time.
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