Benjani up for fight

ByEurosport

Published 27/01/2006 at 14:55 GMT

Zimbabwe striker Benjani tells Eurosport that Nigeria "are afraid" of them ahead of Friday's African Nations group D clash. Nigeria may have to do without Jay-Jay Okocha for a second game, the influential Bolton midfielder struggling with the thigh injury

"They have the strongest team in the group," acknowledged Benjani, although he added "I know they are afraid of us, so we have to respect them, we know we are a big team but when they come onto the pitch, we have to consider that they are big, and we have to fight"

Zimbabwe lost their opening match 2-0 against Senegal and were fortunate not to have suffered a heavier defeat.

"We had a chance to come back into the game if I had scored that goal and everything would have changed. Unfortunately, I missed and they came back and scored once again," a rueful Benjani told reporters in Port Said.

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FOOTBALL 2006 Egypt 2006 Senegal Zimbabwe-Senegal Camara

Image credit: Reuters

"I could not believe it because I really thought that I was going to score from there."

Nigeria however were impressive in a tight match against West African rivals Ghana, an inventive free-kick from Taye Taiwo the only difference between the sides.

Video: Taiwo trounces Ghana

Okocha was somewhat more humble in his assessment of his side's chances.

"I think we don't have to underrate the team, considering the fact they had their chances against the Senegal but they didn't take them, they were really punished, so I don't think we have to underrate them, but we have to play as it comes, as a final, and trying to win it."

FOOTBALL 2006 Egypt 2006 Okocha 2 23/01

Image credit: Eurosport

Okocha is unlikely to play but - should Nigeria qualify as expected - will be recalled to provide some much needed creativity in midfield.

John Utaka of Rennes - who started his career in Egypt with Ismailly - is likely to get the nod ahead of Peter Odemwingie, but otherwise Nigeria are expected to be unchanged with Nwankwo Kanu still on the bench.

Zimbabwe are likely to keep the same line-up in spite of Benjani and Ndlovu failing to impress against Senegal.

Nigeria v Zimbabwe, live on eurosport.com/uk from 19:00!

Video: Senegal grind out Zim win

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