In what appears to be a strong signal of what may happen in South Africa, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has handed the number one position to second choice goalkeeper Austin Ejide in preferred to first choice Vincent Enyeama in tonight’s warm-up against Cape Verde in Portugal.

Both nations are bound for the 29^th Africa Cup of Nations holding from Jan. 19 to Feb. 10 and Keshi is said to be starting with what he considers his first eleven. The Eagles gaffer does not want to take chances against the giant killers who bundled out mighty Cameroon from “African World Cup”.

Trying to explain the choice to bench Enyeama, MTN Football said: “There have been agitations for stiffer competition for Enyeama after his blunder gifted Malawi a draw in a 2014 World Cup qualifier as well as against Liberia in a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier.”
Ejide (seen in photo) was top choice for the Eagles under German coach Berti Vogts at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
A surprise exclusion is defender Azubuike Egwuekwe, who has played virtually all the minutes under Keshi since last year.
Celtic ace Efe Ambrose will start at the problematic right back, while skipper Joseph Yobo will partner Godfrey Oboabona in the heart of the back four.
There are also starts for Mikel, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike in the match expected to start around 9pm Nigerian time.

The Eagles, who are undertaking their final round of preparations in Faro, Portugal, are expected to play one more friendly match but against a club before the tournament. Coach Keshi will unveil his 23-man list for the South African battle after tonight’s game.

Super Eagles’ Starting XI vs Cape Verde:
Ejide – Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echejile – Fegor Ogude, Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi - Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa