CHAN: Super Eagles bank on history to win bronze

HISTORY favours the Super Eagles to win the bronze medal of the third African Nations Championship (CHAN) as they face the Warriors of Zimbabwe on Saturday at the Cape Town Stadium, South Africa.
Nigeria since 1978 had never lost a third place match in Africa thus stand the chance of leaving the Rainbow Nation on Sunday with bronze.
Nigeria and Zimbabwe will be meeting for the ninth time at the senior level. 
Interestingly, Zimbabwe will be chasing their first win in 33 years over Nigeria. The only time Zimbabwe
defeated Nigeria was the first meeting of both sides on August 1, 1981 in a friendly which ended 2-0 in Harare.
The Super Eagles last defeated the Warriors at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt 2-0 with goals from Christian Obodo and John Obi Mikel.
Also, the Warriors have over the years become easy preys for the Super Eagles but coach Ian Gorowa could rewrite history in Cape Town this time as anything is possible in football.
Coach Stephen Keshi is expected to make a major change in the line up of the Eagles this time as many Nigerians are clamouring for the introduction of teenage goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu as the third place match means little to the country.
Camp sources also indicated that second choice keeper, Daniel Akpeyi may take over from Chigozie Agbim this time as the latter has not been able to impress many Nigerians in his last five appearances.
Though, the Eagles lost 1-4 via penalties to the Black Stars in the semi-final last Wednesday in Bloemfontein, some Nigerian soccer fans were of the opinion that he (Agbim) ought to have stopped one of the kicks like his Ghanaian counterpart, Stephen Adams did during the penalty shootout.
Also, Gbolahan Salami who missed the last game is expected to be on duty against the Warriors and possibly start from the bench as Barnabas Imenger jnr who always come on as a substitute making the startling line up this time.
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