Nigerian players will look to help their different clubs go after points that will secure their season objectives as actions resume in the English Premier League.
Peter Osaze, Alex Iwobi: Stoke City vs Arsenal
Peter Osaze Odemwingie recently returned from the injury that has kept him out the Potters’ side for a while to help them overcome Norwich in midweek.
The Nigerian forward, who only played the last half hour of the Norwich game, will be fully motivated to face league leaders Arsenal against whom he has scored in the past.
Arsenal’s Nigerian import, Alex Iwobi, expectedly will be in the squad to the Britannia Stadium.
Stoke City have lost just one of their seven Barclays Premier League games at the Britannia Stadium against Arsenal winning four and drawing two.
Dele Alli, Tottenham vs Sunderland
The Nigerian born playmaker and Spurs will return to White Hart Lane, venue of their uninspiring defeat to Leicester last time, to try and get back to winning ways against Sunderland.
The visitors produced a fantastic away performance at Swansea were they humbled the homers 2-4.
However, Tottenham Hotspur have won eight and lost none of their last 11 Barclays Premier League games against Sunderland.
Mikel Obi, Chelsea vs Everton
A subdued 2-all draw against West Brom after a sensational 3-0 win at Crystal Palace ensured that Chelsea have not recorded a back to back win in the Premier League this season.
Against Everton, the Blues face a stubborn side that even Manchester City could not break down at the Etihad in midweek.
Guus Hiddink’s favourite player, Mikel Obi will be among the Londoners’ stars expected to overcome the visitors this weekend.
Chelsea and Everton are no strangers to each others though, as the Stamford Bridge giants are unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League matches against Everton at home, winning eleven and drawing the rest.
Victor Moses, Newcastle United vs West Ham United
After several weeks on the sidelines, the Nigerian forward has resumed training and has been passed fit to play again. Travelling to St James’ Park on Saturday, West Ham United will need all the help they can get against a resurgent Newcastle that battled Manchester United to a comeback 3-all draw.
Coupled with the fact that West Ham United have only won just one of their last 12 Barclays Premier League trips to St James Park, it’s hard to see how Victor Moses will not play a part atleast from the bench.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
After emerging the hero of City’s FA Cup third round tie at Norwich, Kelechi did not see any minutes of action as Everton frustrated the Manchester giants in the midweek EPL game.
The Nigerian teenage sensation will hope for better luck this time when Crystal Palace come visiting.
Interestingly, Manchester City have won nine and lost just one of the last 10 meetings with Crystal Palace in all competitions.
Odion Ighalo, Swansea vs Watford
Despite having his Boxing day goal against Chelsea chalked off, the Nigerian forward still claimed the Premier League Player of the Month award for the month of December. His five goals in that month, including a brace against Liverpool, helped Watford garner 10 points out of a possible 15.
Up next is a trip to Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. The Swans are not enjoying the best of times, lying ominously in 17th, one point above the relegation zone.
Ighalo should have a good day against a team that has conceded the opening goal 14 times this season, only Villa (15) have done so more often this season.