Posted by By ONYEWUCHI NWACHUKWU on
The 2008/09 English Premiership season began yesterday with a lot of fixtures decided in several centres across the country, but today's game at the Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and FA Cup champions, Portsmouth, holds so much interests for football fans in Nigeria for obvious reasons.
The 2008/09 English Premiership season began yesterday with a lot of fixtures decided in several centres across the country, but today's game at the Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and FA Cup champions, Portsmouth, holds so much interests for football fans in Nigeria for obvious reasons.
Two Super Eagles' stars, Nwankwo Kanu and Mikel Obi would be at opposing sides when the two Premiership clubs file out for the game with each of them praying for his team to emerge victorious and also grab the three points at stake.
Mikel, who will be playing under his new manager in Brazilian Luis Fellipe Scolari, has vowed to tie down a regular shirt and the plaudits the ex-Lyn Oslo midfielder got during the Blues' pre-season preparations, indicates that he could be on rampage if he gets to play against Portsmouth today.
For Kanu, the arrival of Peter Crouch and Germaine Defoe has not dampened his fight for a place in the striking formation of Harry Redknapp's side. The Super Eagles' captain would be hoping to continue from where he stopped last season when he helped Pompey to lift the prestigious FA Cup by scoring the only goal with which Portsmouth defeated Cardiff in the final at Wembley.
Now, Kanu says he is ready to remain in Portsmouth's first team after returning to training with the Premiership side.
Portsmouth fans are eyeing a Defoe-Crouch combination in attack, but Kanu, who was their top scorer two seasons ago, says he may just do some magic on the opening day of the season against Chelsea.
"The first game of the season is always very important, especially as we are playing against Chelsea," Kanu told his club's website.
"If we can pull something out of the game, then our confidence will be very high and we would be able to believe in ourselves that we can do more."
Portsmouth's start to the season is a bit difficult as Manchester United also visit them on August 25.
"It's good that the manager has options upfront. If you are playing in four competitions, then you need to have a lot of strikers to pick from for every match.
"It's up to the coach to pick who he wants for each game we play. Every player is different. The way I play is different from the way Crouch plays and the way Defoe plays is different also. And as far as I'm concerned, it's healthy and good for the club."