Teslim Balogun Stadium will host the last of Super Eagles’ qualifiers in Group C, and the outcome of the match may decide the winner of the group
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Super Eagles will fly in from Morocco after the 5th round match against Liberia on Saturday, November 13, to play against Cape Verde at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, in what is arguably their most important game.
Nigeria currently lead Group C with 9 points, and a +4 goals difference, while it’s the closest challenger in the group, Cape Verde have 7points and a +1 goal difference, 2 points away from Nigeria.
Central African Republic (CAR) and Liberia who have 4 points and 3 points respectively, can only qualify if they win their outstanding matches, and Nigeria and Cape Verde lose their remaining two games with wide margins.
ALSO READ: Super Eagles get North African referees for Liberia, Cape Verde
Baring these unlikely circumstances, the battle for qualification into the next round of the African World cup qualifier is between the Super Eagles and the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde
The Super Eagles can, however, qualify before the last game at the Teslim Balogun Stadium if Cape Verde lose or draw at home against CAR and Nigeria defeat Liberia in Morocco.
This will mean, Nigeria will have 12 unassailable points, while the Blue Sharks who will either stay on 7points if they lose or 8 points if they draw, can no longer catch them with a win in Lagos.
But the likely scenario going by the results so far is that these two teams will likely beat Liberia and CAR to set the stage for a tricky final game.
If they both win, Nigeria will be on 12 points while Cape Verde will be on 10 points, meaning a win against the Super Eagles in Lagos will see Cape Verde qualify for the next round.
But a draw or win for the host will put paid to their giant-killing intention, as Nigeria will advance on 13 points if the match ends in a draw or 15 points if they defeat the Blue Sharks, who will stay on 10 points.
Super Eagles are expected to play against Liberia in Morocco on Saturday, November 13, before flying back to the country to take on their closest rival in the group, Cape Verde, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
