Nigeria and Cameroon will meet for an eagerly anticipated 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Friday night. We take a closer look at three key battles which could go a long way in deciding the match.

Elderson Echiejile v Christian Bassogog

Elderson Echiejile is the veteran in an otherwise relatively inexperienced Nigerian defence and it will be the 29-year-old’s job to bring composure and discipline to the Super Eagles’ rearguard. One of the main threats he will have to deal with is Cameroon’s Christian Bassogog, the Player of the Tournament at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. The 21-year-old’s speed, mobility and goal threat will be key to the Indomitable Lions’ hopes of upsetting Nigeria in their own back yard.

John Obi Mikel v Sebastian Siani

Nigeria midfielder and captain John Obi Mikel has only recently returned from serious injury, but such is his value to the Super Eagles that coach Gernot Rohr had no hesitation in naming him in his squad for these matches. The former Chelsea man will go toe-to-toe with Sebastian Siani, a mobile central midfielder who was a relative latecomer to the international game but went on to play the anchor role in Cameroon’s triumph at the AFCON earlier this year.

Kelechi Iheanacho v Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui

With Alex Iwobi set to miss the first match in Uyo due to injury, the burden of leading Nigeria’s attack will fall on the shoulders of Kelechi Iheanacho. The 20-year-old has yet to get into his stride at new club Leicester City and will hope that this international break brings him goals and confidence. The man trying to keep him at bay will be Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui, one of the stars of the Indomitable Lions’ run to glory at the AFCON. The 26-year-old defender will also be a goal threat from set pieces and notably netted twice in the finals in Gabon.

The first match between Nigeria and Cameroon is set for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday evening, kick-off at 18h00 CAT.

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