Desmond Iwuchukwu
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Egypt on Tuesday, 11th January 2022 in the first group game of the 2021 African Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon.
The tournament was initially slated to take place in 2021 but was rescheduled due to the covid-19 virus.
The Super Eagles will be without key players like Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo, Emmanuel Dennis, and Leon Balogun.
However, players like Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Sadiq Umar will fill the gap left by Osimhen, Ighalo, and Dennis.
Nigeria has a better head-to-head record against Egypt after winning 8 matches, drawing 5, and losing 6 games out of 19 meetings.
Egypt playing with players from their domestic league still has Liverpool striker Mohammed Salah and Mohammed Elmeny of Arsenal.
Egypt recently finished fourth at the recent FIFA Arab Cup and their experience will count at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
However, the Media officer of the Super Eagles Babafemi Raji, says the team is aware of the threat that Mohamed Salah poses but insists they must not focus just on beating the in-form forward, but on the team as a whole when they clash on Tuesday.
However, in an interview with newsmen, Raji said that he’s confident the Super Eagles will finish above Egypt in their AFCON group.
“We very much respect the Egyptian team and know the capabilities of Mohamed Salah. Our team has great potential and know-how to stop the strengths of the Pharaohs.
“We are here to play against the Egyptian national team, not just against Salah.
It is certain that Nigeria is the first candidate to qualify from its group, and we do not care who will qualify with us, and we respect everyone” he said.
Former Super Eagles defender Austin Eguavoen will be in charge of the three times African Champions at the ongoing tournament and will hand over to the new Technical Adviser of the side Jose Peseiro after the AFCON.
