The Flames of Malawi have told all those who cares to listen that they are out to spoil the Super Eagles party planned for Saturday night in Calabar to celebrate the victory over them which would put the Nigerian team one step closer to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
In the first leg encounter between the two teams, Nigeria scored first in the 89th minute on June 9, 2012, through Reuben Gabriel, it seemed as if the Eagles had won the game until Malawi’s John Banda capitalized on a mistake by Vincent Enyeama to equalize in the 92nd minute and ensure that the Flames would live to fight another day as the final scoreline stood at 1-1.
That day has arrived for the Malawians but so much has changed from that evening in Blantyre. Especially for the team from Malawi on the coaching front where Tom Saintfiet is now in charge.
There has been so much mud slinging from the Nigerians and Malawians parties in the last few weeks preceding this encounter that fans of both teams will be ready for an explosive match.
The Super Eagles went on from that draw to become African champions and are favoured to qualify for the last round of African qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup scheduled for Brazil.
The Super Eagles under coach Stephen Keshi have been resolute in their 4-3-3 formation while the Flames are expected to play in a 4-5-1 formation, staying solid in midfield like the Kenyans did in April when they got a 1-1 draw in Calabar.
The Malawians will be looking to score the first goal and then defend for their lives as they seek to cause an upset of gargantuan proportions. While the Eagles are primed to give ‘Malawi the beating they require’, according to Ahmed Musa, who is expected to start on the right of the attack.
If the Super Eagles score in the first 15 minutes, expect a large scoreline.
EAGLES V FLAMES FACTS
*Malawi have never qualified for the World Cup finals.
*In seven matches between Nigeria and Malawi, the Eagles have five wins and two draws.
*Joseph Kamwendo has 65 caps for the Flames.
*Vincent Enyeama will win his 86th cap if he starts against Malawi.
*Malawi have lost thrice in their last eight matches while Nigeria have lost twice.
*Nigeria have scored 18 goals against Malawi and conceded 8.
