Posted by Obafemi Obadare on
Four Nigeria internationals face themselves in the English Premiership on Sunday in two venues, seeking to improve the fortunes of their teams.
Four Nigeria internationals face themselves in the English Premiership on Sunday in two venues, seeking to improve the fortunes of their teams.
While high-flying Yakubu Aiyegbeni is up against Nwankwo Kanu as Middlesbrough host West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside, Joseph Yobo and his struggling Everton side host the Newcastle party that have Celestine Babayaro.
Kanu shone brilliantly last weekend when West Brom decimated Everton 4-0, with the former African Footballer of the Year assisting in three of the four goals. Kanu will hope to continue from where he left off last weekend against a Middlesbrough side that have seen ‘Yak' scoring eight goals this season.
Aiyegbeni, with his well-timed runs from the left, has been in good form for Middlesbrough, and his partnership with Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink has profited Riverside this season.
Middlesbrough, who have 18 points in 11th position, are favoured in the tie over the lowly placed West Brom, managed by Bryan Robson, who once toyed with the idea of coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
In spite of two costly errors this season, Yobo is one of the outstanding players in a struggling Everton side. The Nigeria defender will have a huge task of patrolling the vital area against the dangerous duo of Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.
At the other end, Babayaro will have to contain the likes of Marcus Bent in the Everton attack.
Everton will play to secure the three points: they are in the relegation zone with 10 points from 12 matches.
Austin Okocha might return for Bolton against Fulham if he has got over his injury.
SUNDAY PUNCH, November 27, 2005