Kenya face Nigeria in Wednesdays 2014 World Cup qualifier in Nairobi without some of their best players.
Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech and goalkeeper Arnold Origi are suspended while midfielders; McDonald Mariga and David Gateri are injured. While Ayub Timbe snubbed his call-up for the match.
Oliech is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in previous qualifiers. The striker was very influential in the 1-1 with Nigeria in their first match.
Coach Adel Amrouche told media: “Oliech is here to motivate the boys and he is important to the team even if he does not play. As for Timbe, we are disappointed because it is every player’s dream to represent their country.
“It is unpatriotic for Timbe to refuse to come, just as he did when we played Nigeria in Calabar.”
Kenya star player Victor Wanyama is likely to captain Kenya against Nigeria after having had a great season for his Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Celtic winning the League and Cup Double, while also winning the ‘Players’ Player’ and ‘Young Player of the Year’ awards.
“He is a good example for professionalism,” Amrouche said of Wanyama.
“I believe so much in him and he is a player African youths can emulate,” he added.
