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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Kenya will be difficult for Eagles, Osaze declares
- Wins MTN/AIT Football award
By Gowon Akpodonor
WITH Nigeria's hope of going to the World Cup now rest on the clash against the Harambee Stars in what has been termed 'battle of Harare', Super Eagles striker, Osaze Odemwingie, has predicted an uphill task for the team.
Osaze, who spoke with The Guardian shortly after being crowned winner of the maiden MTN/AIT Football award in Abuja, said the match against Kenya would be difficult to handle, saying that as host, the Harambee Stars would put everything into the game to satisfy their supporters.
However, Osaze says the Eagles are battle ready to face Kenya, no matter the situation. "We have to put everything into that game so as to get the maximum three points because a draw won't be favourable for us. We still have to pray that Mozambique should be able to hold its own against Tunisia," he said.
The waiting game continued on Sunday, when the Super Eagles scored 1-0 against Mozambique in Abuja, while Tunisia had the same goal margin against Kenya.
Osaze, who has been in sparkling form for Nigeria in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, beat Ikechukwu Uche and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to the MTN/AIT Footballer of the year award.
Super Falcons' goalkeeper, Precious Dede, came top ahead of pre-event favourite, Perpetua Nkwocha and Cynthia Uwak for the Woman Footballer of the year, just as Heartland FC player, ThankGod Ike won the Footballer of the year (National).
Ebere Orji picked a double, emerging the Woman Footballer of the year and Young player of the year in the women's category.
Samson Siasia was picked as the National Coach of the Year, just as Stephen Keshi was awarded the Legend Award. Soft drink giants, Pepsi, won the Grassroots Promoter of the year award, as Toyin Ibitoye was voted winner of the Alhaji Ladi Lawal Football Presenter of the year (Electronic). The Beach Eagle beat Super Eagles and the U-23 team to capture the National Team of the year award. There were 21 categories of the award. The 2010 edition of the award will take place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
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