Mikel's arrival in Kenya frightens Harambee Stars [World Cup Qualifiers]

The drumbeats of war roared louder in Nairobi on Monday, with Kenya’s Commissioner for Sports, Gordon Oluoch stating emphatically that the Harambee Stars would defeat the Super Eagles 1-0 in Wednesday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Oluoch, who works with Sports Minister, Dr. Hassan Wario, said at a public function that he had no doubt that the Stars, who earned a 1-1 draw against the Africa champions in Calabar on March 23, would triumph.

However, aside the fact that history is heavily skewed against them, the Harambee Stars would definitely struggle against Nigeria on Wednesday.

They miss four of their top guns, including goalkeeper Arnold Origi, and reserve goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng has not inspired confidence since the team started camping in Naivasha and moved to Nairobi on Sunday.

On the other hand, the Kenyan camp has become depressed that midfielder John Mikel Obi was on his way to Nairobi after missing the friendly against Mexico in Texas at the weekend. They actually thought he was not coming for the game.

Chelsea FC of England ace Obi was instrumental in Nigeria’s 3-2 defeat of the Stars at the same venue on November 14, 2009 – a result that sent the Super Eagles to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.

The midfield lubricator flew into Nairobi aboard a British Airways flight on Monday evening, hours ahead of the rest of the delegation that was being expected from Frankfurt around 1.30am on Tuesday.

Government sources say Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta or Vice President William Ruto would be special guest of honour at the big match.

On Sunday evening, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Akin Oyateru flew into Nairobi from official assignment abroad.

He quickly welcomed the advance party of the Nigeria Football Federation and instructed mission staff to provide the team with full support. - Tribune