NIGERIA SWEAT OVER KANU FITNESS

Nigeria are sweating over the fitness of skipper Kanu Nwankwo ahead of their clash with Uganda in a Nations Cup qualifier in Abeotuka on Saturday.

Team spokesman Danusa Ocholi said everything is now being done by the medical team to ensure a thigh complaint does not stop Kanu from the decisive Group Three game.

"Kanu is still doubtful for the game but everything is being done to get him fit. One of the things was to excuse him from training yesterday," Ocholi disclosed.

Officials said that should the Portsmouth forward fail to regain full fitness, Everton defender Joseph Yobo will lead out the Super Eagles.

Injury has already ruled out top choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who suffered a ligament problem while featuring for his Israeli club Bnei Yehuda.

Meanwhile, Everton's young striker Victor Anichebe could be in line for his international debut for his native country.

Anichebe has said he prefers to play for Nigeria rather than wait for his chance with England.

Even though he was not in the final 25-man squad named by German coach Berti Vogts, Anichebe has been training with the Eagles ahead of Saturday's encounter.

Vogts though is upbeat Nigeria will beat Uganda in style Saturday, saying he has been most impressed by the talent in the squad.

"I'm delighted with the talent in this team after the few days I worked with them. They are enormously talented and all I have to do now is to bring my German organisation to make them an even better team," he said.