Nations Cup - Players Expected to Reshape African Football

*Drogba

As the African Cup of Nations holding in South Africa began yesterday, January 19, here are a couple of old and new players whose acts are expected to help in the reshaping of football on the continent.
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
On paper, Ivory Coast definitely stands out heads above other teams headed for the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa with her collection of star players. After missing the title in the last edition, the team appears hungry for the title now and will not look back this time to get it right. Fireworks are expected from the dreaded Didier Drogba, backed by reigning African Footballer of the year, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou and Gervinho. He remains one of the most distinguished players in Africa.
Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
A play-maker cum striker who plays for Premier side Man City, he can turn the game around with his budding skills at any point of the competition. In partnership with Gervinho, Zokora and Kalou, he's expected to play behind Drogba and possess the key and combination that can break any side.
Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast)
He has won the African Young Player award. He has won top England and European laurels with Chelsea and is one of the players with ability to unlock any chain of defence during the competition.
Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
The country's confidence and participation has been boosted by the return of Adebayor, the deadly striker and captain, who will put up the best act in South Africa in the move to take Togo to the top. Togo are drawn in Group D alongside Cote d'Ivoire, Tunisia and Algeria.
Ikechukwu Uche (Nigeria)
The Eagles top striker who has played for Spanish top sides- Getafe, Villareal, Granada and Real Zaragoza remains a reliable one for Nigeria. As he did during past games especially during the qualifiers, his ability and skill will be Stephen Keshi's ace for goals, given the absence of Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins from the team. There is no doubt he is a possible pick for the tournament's top scorer, should the Eagles progress up to the semi final, a target set for Keshi by NFF.
File photo: Super Eagles attacker, Ike Uche tries to go past Botswana defence during a friendly match at Ogbe stadium in Benin City, Edo State. Eagles won 2-0.
Victor Moses (Nigeria)
Victor Moses who dumped England to play for his country of birth played a key role in the Super Eagles' qualification series and chipped in a brace in the final 6-1 demolition of Liberia in Calabar.
His move to Chelsea in the summer of 2012 has made him more visible on the international scene and he will be looking to confirm his billing at the 2013 Afcon. His pace and dribbling skills are his assets. Joined by compatriot Ahmed Musa on the wings, the starlet will hope to emerge as one of the stars in South Africa.
Jacob Mulenga( (Zambia)
With the defending champions failing to score in friendlies against Tanzania and Angola, coach Herve Renard was reported to have included Holland-based top striker, Jacob Mulenga of FC Utrecht as the spearhead of his attack in defense of the title. He has scored seven goals for his Dutch side this season and is seen to have the capacity to hit even more during the tournament.

-         By Eddie Akalonu, 20 January 2013

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