Nigeria are looking forward to the World Cup qualifying double-header against Ethiopia with cautious optimism. The Super Eagles may possess a multi-talented group of players, but they will be acutely aware of the threats posed by the Walya Antelopes.
The visitors to Addis Ababa are ranked 36th in the world and fourth in Africa, with Ethiopia a distant 93rd in the Fifa ranking and 25th in the continental hierarchy. On paper, the gulf in class is colossal, but the Antelopes are an emerging force in African football. The East African side qualified for the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa after a 31-year absence and finished top of their World Cup qualifying group ahead of Bafana Bafana, even after being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player.
The Antelopes, coached by Sewnet Bishaw, are known for their slick passing and the high pressing game they exhibited at the last Afcon. However, the relative inexperience of the side might just be their undoing against a vastly talented Nigerian outfit who are, let us not forget, the reigning African champions. The Ethiopians, with their squad predominantly based in the nation’s top flight, may struggle against the diverse array of superstars that Stephen Keshi can call upon.
The two teams have met seven times before, with Nigeria winning four of those matches. Ethiopia recorded a famous victory against the Super Eagles in a 1994 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, while two further fixtures have ended in draws.
