Guardian

VICTOR Wanyama, who is set to captain the Harambee Stars for the first time when the Kenyans meet with the Super Eagles in Nairobi in a Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier, says the East Africans have all it takes to shock Nigeria Wednesday.

Wanyama, who was crowned Scottish Young player of year, is well aware how big the task of leading the team is against the Super Eagles, who have never lost a match to Kenya.

“Nigeria is a strong team. They have gone 10 matches unbeaten since the year began but we are confident of giving a good account of ourselves on Wednesday,” said Wanyama.

“We are looking forward for the match. It is unfortunate that Oliech and (MacDonald) Mariga will not play. But we fear no one - this is a young team, who wants to play and enjoy themselves,” he added.

Also looking forward to a good outing, Kenya Coach Adel Amrouche says he is not too worried about his team’s lowly position in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifying competition and will take one match at a time.

With only a single point from three matches, Kenya face two decisive games against Group F co-leaders, Nigeria and Malawi, which they must win to stay in contention. They take on the African champions in their return-leg match in Nairobi on Wednesday, and face a trip to Malawi a week later.

“I play per team. That’s my plan. I am a realistic person,” said the 45-year-old Belgian, who held top-ranked Nigeria to a surprise 1-1 away draw on March 23.

“Obviously, winning is very important for us at this stage but I don’t have to put a lot of pressure on my players. We only need to plan and believe in ourselves that we can succeed,” he added.

But the absence of AC Ajaccio striker, Oliech and Origi will be a blow to the side, which remarkably came close to upsetting Nigeria in the reverse fixture in Calabar in March. Eagles look good for the three points.

Reports from the Kenyan camp, however, indicate that the Harambee Stars have become depressed that John Mikel Obi was on his way to Nairobi after missing the friendly against Mexico in Texas at the weekend. They actually thought he was not coming for the game.

Obi was instrumental to Nigeria’s 3-2 defeat

of the Stars at the same venue on November 14, 2009 – a result that sent the Super Eagles to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.

The midfield lubricator flew into Nairobi aboard a British Airways flight yesterday evening, hours ahead of the rest of the delegation that was being expected from Frankfurt around 1.30am today.

Government sources say Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta or Vice President, William Ruto would be special guest of honour at the big match.

On Sunday evening, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Akin Oyateru flew into Nairobi from official assignment abroad. He quickly welcomed the advance party of the Nigeria Football Federation and instructed mission staff to provide the team with full support.

A source close to the Football Kenya Federation stated on Monday that tight security is being put in place for the match, with more than 1,500 policemen to be on duty at the Moi International Sports Centre.

NFF’s advance party yesterday frowned at the 680 Hotel reserved for the Super Eagles. The hotel is right in the centre of town with so much noise around it. The NFF says it is working in concert with the Nigeria High Commission on alternative accommodation for Nigeria.

Already, the FKF has made arrangement for the Eagles to train at the Moi International Sports Centre at 4pm today, but would be willing to allow them there should Coach Stephen Keshi prefer a morning work-out, according to FKF President, Sam Nyamweya.

The pre-match meeting is scheduled for the Bulemart Hotel at 7pm today, even as the match officials, led by Ivorian referee, Noumandiez Doue, arrived in Nairobi yesterday.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari is expected to lead a delegation from Nigeria aboard a Kenyan Airways flight this afternoon.