Stars who’ll define Nations Cup
Eight days from now, the 2010 edition of the CAF/Orange Nations Cup Kicks off in Angola. World attention turns to the continents biggest football fiesta characterised by fun, glamour and excitement.
Already, the continent’s finest footballer are set to exchange shots and crunchy tackles as they compete for honours for their respective countries.
In the minds of followers of the African Championship, columns of sky – high tension and expectation are rising. They can’t wait to savour intense actions from the biennial showpiece.
Unarguably, the legion of African players in the glamour-filled Premiership, Spanish La Liga, Serie A, as well as French Ligue 1 will be the attention getters.
They are the real ones to provide much of the spark and the fire to light up Angola and enliven the championship.
Between January 10 – 31, they will be actively involved in real duel.
Prior to the tournament’s kick off date, they have been in camp, having been severed from their clubs where they earn mega bucks. What their countries are gaining for having them is what their clubs are losing. For indeed, their absence represents a serious blow to their clubs’ respective ambitions.
Premiership middle of the pack outfit, Everton are hit by the departure of Joseph Yobo and Yakubu Aiyegbeni to the Super Eagles. Yobo, Eagles’ vice-captain is a regular in the Liverpool based Everton’s back four. He is experienced, having made his international debut in 2003. He is expected to marshal the team’s defence as they crusade for their third continental title. On a good day, he sneaks in vital goal, which could keep him team on the road to the final. Power player, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, is getting back into the swing of active after a long injury lay off.
His goal against Kenya helped seal Nigeria’s qualification for South Africa 2010 and hopes to raise his game at the big stage.
Portsmouth of England are ruing the absence of Nwankwo Kanu, who will skipper the Eagles in Angola. The enigmatic forward could cause lots of worries for opponents of the Nigerian squad with his killer passes if he is taken for granted. Likely appearing in his last Nations Cup, he looks to give his admirers something to remember as he takes a bow.
Also likely to grab the headlines is Super Eagles’ campaign is Osaze Odemwingie. The Locomotive Mosco forward dazzled all through the qualifiers with his superb play. He scored vital goals and would be a big bite to the Nigerian attack. He would be lending support to Obafemi Martins, who features for Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga. Martins hit a brace against Kenya in Eagles last qualifier to announce to Africa, that he was one player no one should ignore.
Chelsea and Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire hit man, Didier Drogba will be the most dangerous man to watch when the event kicks off. The World Player of the Year nominee has been in the form of his life for the London club. His superb goals in the Premiership has helped to sustain the Blues as the No.1 team on the table. His knack for goals, speed, pace and power will make Cote d’Ivoire the team to beat.
He would be facing his team mate, Michael Essien, the Ghana captain in one of their group’s a game. Essien, the man who plays with the strength of steel is phenomenal in the Black Stars’ midfield. His huge inspiration will keep the Ghana side on auto cruise.
The Elephants will further be boosted by the presence of Yaya Toure, who stars for Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga. He won the UEFA Champions League with the team last year. If he translates his skills to the profit of the Elephants, they will be unstoppable. Chelsea’s Solomon Kalou will lift the same Ivorien side. The former Rotterdam of Holland striker is known for his hard work and versatility. His ability to score goals and make assists will be a huge asset to his side, while also have Kolo Toure of Manchester City.
The City central defender who is the elder brother of Yaya, has pace and strength which he would combine with his 10 years of active presence in the Elephant squad since 2000 to make serious impact.
Samuel Eto’o, the Inter Milan, Indomitable Lions of Cameroon striker carries to ambition of his teams right on his shoulders. Eto’o has been in sizzling form this season after his transfer from Barcelona. His is one player who changes the course of the game most times known for his goal getting prowess, he is every defender’s tormentor in chief. His has his like in Emmanuel Adebayor, the Manchester City striker, who will be leading the Hawks of Togo. The £25million player is Togo’s leading light. His solo effort will count as his country’s hope as they go into the championship trusting in upsets to claim the title for the very first time.
NEWS SOURCE SUNNEWS
June 14th, 2010 at 16:14
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