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There would be no brotherhood for six Nigerian internationals this weekend, as they trade tackles and exchange shots looking to help their various clubs grab vital points, as the European season stretches home.

In the Premiership this afternoon, Nwankwo Kanu, playing at home at Fratton Park, would be seeking his 11th goal of the season, as Portsmouth host Newcastle. Later in the evening in France, Osaze Odemwingie would dare Rabiu Afolabi in French Ligue One, when Lille ambush Sochaux at home. Also this evening in Italy, Christian Obodo will clash with Obinna Nsofor in the Serie A.

Kanu would be on the frontline of Portsmouth’s attack as Obafemi Martins, Celestine Babayaro, Shola Ameobi and Oguchi Onyewu swoop on Pompey. The Super Eagles’ skipper has scored 10 goals so far in the Premiership this season, but he is currently suffering goal drought, just as he is involved in a new contract row following his club manager’s (Harry Redknapp) refusal to offer him a longer deal. However, he has continued to stress his commitment to Pompey’s quest for a place in Europe next season.

Scoring against his compatriots would be the leggy striker’s best way of re-affirming his place in the Eagles’ forward line. He ensured victory for new Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Berti Vogts, in his first outing with the Nigerian team in Abeokuta few weeks ago, and was impressive in Pompey’s 2–1 defeat of Manchester United. But getting past Babayaro and Onyewu in Newcastle’s defence remains a task to be done.

‘Baba’, who oscillates between praise and blame would not allow that to happen, just because Kanu is involved. Onyewu, the Nigeria-American, signed from Standard Leige of Belgium, is dazzling in the defence. They may approach the game as if their lives depend on it. Besides, they would like to improve on Newcastle’s 11th place on the table.

Meanwhile, Martins and Ameobi would be busy raiding Pompey in their own half. Club manager, Glenn Roeder, would rely on Martins’ superb pace and ferocious shots to give the Magpies the day.
Later in the evening, newly-improved Odemwingie would be attacking Sochaux from the flanks. He won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the last Super Eagles’ clash with the Cranes of Uganda in Abeokuta.

Best known for his pace down the flanks, he would come face-to-face with Afolabi on the right-back. The dashing winger has scored useful goals for Lille in recent times, but out-pacing the Sochaux rear guard would definitely be a big one for him.

Sochaux are fourth on the Ligue One table, and have prospect of an European outing next season. They are better than Lille, who place eighth on 43 points. So, one way to cage Lille is for Afolabi to frustrate Odenwingie and deny him scoring chances.

Elsewhere in Italy, emerging midfield dynamo, Christian Obodo, would engage striker, Obinna Nsofor. The former Plateau United player, who plays alongside Ghana’s Sulley Ali Muntari, posted an average performance in Super Eagles’ colour against the Ugandan Cranes. His team are placed tenth on the Serie A table, contrary to Nsofor’s Chievo, who are on 16th. position, Chievo, who are striving to stay clear of relegation, would struggle to win.
The three games on parade promise to be thrillers, because the gladiators would be aiming at convincing Coach Vogts that they are still quality materials for Super Eagles despite their disappointing outing against Uganda recently.