Elephants v. Nigeria Preview

January 20th, 2008 | by: gianfranco | View Comments

Today’s game features two African power houses when the IC faces off against
Nigeria.  Both teams feature star studded lineups chock full of EPL talent.  This really is one of the showpieces of the first round of the tournament.  Contrasting styles of play see Nigeria as possession type team while
Cote d’Ivorie has more explosive potential.  The teams as a whole will be exciting to watch but the individual matches are even more exciting.

Jon Obi Mikel vs. Anyone:  Some people say Mikel plays a bit rough and reckless, and yes his challenging can be mindless at times.  Nevertheless, he is a savy holding midfielder akin to the likes of Yaya Toure, and at his age has a TON of potential.  It will be interesting to watch him matchup with man Didier Drogba, and the rest of his teammates.

Didier Drogba vs. Whoever thinks they can stop him:  Drogba has made a speedy recovery and is hungry to establish himself as healthy and still freaking good.  He is the pivot point to the Elephants success and if he plays the unstoppable style of attacking soccer that he is capable of every team will have some problems.

Kanu & Obafemi Martins vs. Eboue & Toure: EPL on parade here with two quality strikers against two wily defenders.  
Nigeria boasts a ton of speed upfront and it will math up nicely against some the Elephants stronghold defenders.

My prediction for the match is a draw, for a few reasons.  It’s the first game of the tournament for both these clubs and no one wants to , or quite frankly needs to over exert themselves in the first game.  I don’t expect a goalless draw, so 1-1 makes a ton more sense, but hey crazier things have happened haven’t they.  

ELEPHANTS ALL THE WAY!!!