Nairobi — The result mattered little, but the warm up was the most important thing for Harambee Stars in their 0-1 defeat by the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Sundays friendly at Kasarani.

It gave Kenya coach Jacob "Ghost" Mulee a view of who deserves and who does not warrant to be in the national team.

Nwanko Kanu of Nigeria fights for the ball with Kenya defender Mulinge Munandi and goalkeeper Dancan Ochieng during their friendly international match at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday. Nigeria won 1-0. Photo/MOHAMMED AMIN

Nigeria coach Berti Vogts, who won the European Cup with Germany in 1996, spoke highly of the Kenyan side. He said he never expected Kenya to produce such a performance.

"I am impressed by the Kenya team. You have hardworking, fast paced players. A little polishing and confidence on the ball and you (Kenyans) can go far. I wish you well in the competition," said Vogts who has also coached Scotland national team.

Kenyans have been yearning for big time friendly matches, it could not have come any better in the form of the two time African champions Nigeria who have pitched tent in Nairobi as they prepare for their Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Uganda Cranes next weekend.

It was a departure from the usual friendlies Kenyans are used to against neighbours Tanzania and Uganda. Nigeria offered Kenya some food for thought, but the Harambee Stars lads also gave the big boys of African football some few issues to take note of.

Former Arsenal man and now Portsmouth striker Nwankwo Kanu was in the Nigeria side, albeit as a substitute, Yakubu Aiyegbeni was in the starting line up so was Obinna Nwaneri and Watford's big man Danny Shittu but the Kenyan side made up largely of local based players was unfazed.

Harambee Stars started off well, they confidently held on to the ball, their passing was good and in one or two occasions, they would match the Nigerians in a display of ball skills.

Jamal Mohammed and Victor Mugabe, who was making his first ever start for Kenya senior team were especially delightful to watch.

If Mulee has bad a problem finding the right man in the fullback, he needs not look beyond Kenyan borders for the ineffective Wycliffe Juma because he now has the pint sized Ibrahim Shikanda.

Shikanda by all standards was the best performer in the Kenya side. Considering that this was his first game in Kenya colours, anybody would have expected him to have problems given the calibre of the side he was up against, but he stood tall despite his short stature and man marked Aiyegbeni, one of the best performing strikers in the English Premiership, and Isaac Olwale.

An excited Shikanda said after the game: "I am just happy to have played for Kenya. Now its upon me to work hard and remain in the side. There is so much competition but I am very happy, any African player would be excite to be in the pitch with the likes of Aiyegbeni and Kanu. I thank my coach, my team mates and Kenyans for giving me that opportunity."

However, there were also some disappointing players who Mulee will have to take time to decide if they deserve a position in the team. Oscar Kadenge has never fitted in the national team despite being highly rated in Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda where he has played professionally. On Sunday, he overworked himself running without making any purposeful attack.

There was also Mike Mururi who was the oldest player in the Kenya team. His performance was by any standards below par. He was expected to supplement the efforts of captain Robert Mambo and Jamal Mohammed in the midfield but most of the time he stuck in the wing denying Mugabe and Kadenge ball supplies.

Kenya started the game very well, passing the ball and making the Nigerians chase shadows, but soon the Nigerians came into the match stamping their authority.