It is likely that the coaching crew of the Super Eagles may start the same team they paraded last month against Malawi on Sunday in Ethiopia.
Eagles chief coach Stephen Keshi, did not change his squad for last month’s final group game in Calabar.
This means Keshi will again keep out 2013 AFCON hero Sunday Mba and Real Betis Nosa Igiebor for Italy-based Nnamdi Oduamadi in the midfield.
Keshi has praised Oduamadi’s dare and speed.
Overall, the Eagles played with a lot of understanding and spirit against the Flames of Malawi in Calabar.
And the 2-0 win was a bit flattering to the visitors because their goalkeeper pulled off at least three big saves in a game dominated from start to finish by Nigeria.
Fleet-footed Ahmed Musa, who is doing great runs at Russian double champions CSKA Moscow with some very crucial goals, would have scored at least two goals, but he was not clinical in front of goal on the day.
And he was not at his best during the AFCON clash against Ethiopia.
When Nigeria beat Ethiopia in January with two second-half penalty goals by Victor Moses, Mba started, so too Fegor Ogude, Kenneth Omeruo and Ikechukwu Uche.
It was a laboured victory, but after which the Eagles stepped up a few gears on the way to a third Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
The Eagles back four against Malawi was beaten at least twice by the Flames and that must be a cause for concern for Keshi as Ethiopia will be a lot more adventurous and confident than Malawi, who relied on fast counters in Calabar.
The likely starting XI vs Ethiopia:Vincent Enyeama – Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe – Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Nnamdi Oduamadi – Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa.
