MTNFootball.com has specially gathered that striker Ikechukwu Uche will start for Nigeria on Tuesday as they go for goals against Ethiopia.
Nigeria are tied on two points apiece with Zambia, while Burkina Faso are the surprise leaders on four points.
Ethiopia have a point.
A top team official revealed: “Uche will start on Tuesday because we need as many goals as possible to ensure we not only qualify for the quarterfinals, but also top our group.”
The big prize for winning Group C would be the Eagles will avoid the rampant Cote d’Ivoire this weekend at least and it would also mean they will also return to their base in Nelspruit.
Villarreal striker Uche was Nigeria leading scorer in the qualifying series for this tournament with three goals, but he has had to warm the bench for the on-form Emmanuel Emenike, who has justified his inclusion with Nigeria’s two goals thus far in the competition.
When both teams last clashed in July 2011, ‘IK’ gave Nigeria the lead, but the hosts equalised when Vincent Enyeama misjudged a pull-out and lethal marksman Saladin Said headed into the net on the stroke of half time.
Eagles were on the back foot soon after recess when Efe Ambrose sold his headed ball to Enyeama short and Said capitalised to slot past the stranded goalkeeper.
However, skipper Joseph Yobo saved Nigeria the blushes when he sprinted forward to head in a much-needed equaliser with few minutes left on the clock.??