Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Super Eagles will face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon today in the round of 16 of the on-going AFCON in Egypt.
The Super Eagles finished second in group B to book a date against the defending champions Cameroon.
The two teams have been goal-shy at the tournament so far and both teams have had to deal with disruptions over pay disputes.
The Super Eagles won their first two games in Alexandria but were surprisingly pipped to top spot in Group B by newcomers Madagascar after an underwhelming display in their final match.
In 2004, the last time Cameroon were Cup of Nations defending champions, they were eliminated in the first knockout round by Nigeria.
The great rivals have met six times in the biennial tournament, including three finals that Cameroon won, one after a penalty shootout.
Daniel Akpeyi is likely to man the post for Nigeria against Cameroon today.
Akpeyi started Nigeria’s opening two games at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt against Burundi and Guinea, but was rested for the final group clash versus Madagascar.
The former Warri Wolves goaltender kept a clean sheet in both games with the Super Eagles recording 1-0 slim wins.
The Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr said the team will turn around their fortunes in the knock-out stage of the AFCON.
Gernot Rohr during a press conference in Egypt ahead of the clash said the Eagles will be ready to face Cameroon.
Gernot Rohr also confirmed that Mikel Obi and Shehu Abdullahi will not be in action against Cameroon due to injury.
Super Eagles defender, Troost Ekong said the team is motivated to face defending champions Cameroon in Alexandria.
Troost Ekong stated that the team will bounce back from their zero two loss to Madagascar.
The match will kick-off by 5pm Nigerian time at Alexandria.
