The Zambian national football team have emanated from oblivion into contention for the sole ticket in Group B for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.
Since tasting defeat against Nigeria in their first match of the group, they have gone on to garner seven points from available nine in the subsequent three matches. That shows how they have grown in strength after their first match.
Some important players have been ticking the boxes for the Chipolopolo and the Super Eagles must watch out. The following are four of the players who could do damage to Nigeria's aspiration of reaching the World Cup next year:
1. Kennedy Mweene
The Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa's shot stopper will be one of the Super Eagles' biggest obstacle on Saturday. The Goalkeeper has a complete control of the box.
The 34-year old player is the skipper of the team, the responsibility which has improved his performance drastically between the sticks.
Renowned for his penalty-saving and penalty-taking skills, Mweene is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in Africa at the moment, winning the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season award (best player in the South African top division) in the 2008-09 season. The player has been in big demand with all of the big spending clubs in South Africa but remained loyal to Free State Stars until the end of the 2012-13 season.
In Zambia's last qualifying match against Algeria, the goalkeeper proved his worth once more by saving a penalty before making several important saves to ensure his team left Algeria with the maximum points.
The Super Eagles attackers will have to be in their best to beat him in Uyo on Saturday.
2. Patson Daka
The 18-year old Red Bull Salzburg of Austria striker is one of the jewel in the Zambian team. On his day, the striker can cause trouble for any defence.
The Nigerian defence comprising of Elderson Echiejile, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Abdullahi Shehu will have to be at alert to keep the 18-year old at bay.
3. Enock Mwepu
The 19-year old player was part of the Zambian Under-20 set up before being promoted into the senior team.
The FC Liefering player -on loan from Red Bull Salzburg- is known for his versatility in the field of play as demonstrated at the Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 Zambia 2017 where he scored a goal and was among the best substitutes of the tournament.
Mwepu is likely to be introduced from the bench at the closing minutes of the match. The Nigerian technical team must have a plan in place for this energetic player whenever he is introduced into the party.
4. Emmanuel Banda
Emmanuel Banda was a member of the Junior Zambian team roster that won the 2017 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and finished in the quarterfinals of the World Cup last May where he scored a goal against Germany in the Round of 16 as Zambia eliminated Die Mannschaft from the competition.
The hardworking midfielder who plays for Oostende in the Belgian First Division A is a player to watch out for in Uyo. Ogenyi Onazi and Wilfred Ndidi must put a close eye on the 20-year old to prevent him from causing any damage.
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