When the Nigerian Super Eagles trade-tackle the Pharaohs of Egypt in their Group D opener game today at the Estadio Roumde Adjia in Garoua, Cameroon, they will begin their AFCON 2021 campaign with a true test of toughness. Nine times at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles and the Pharaohs have played off, with Nigeria holding the advantage with three victories to Egypt's two, while the Pharaohs won their most recent matchup in 2010. (3-1 in the group phase). The Super Eagles of Nigeria have won the AFCON championship three times, while their Egyptian rivals have won the championship an amazing seven times. The North African squad has the best record in the history of the competition thanks to their excellent tally. The Egyptians are a formidable team and will enter the field with a lot of confidence and steam, but we will also be carrying steam. Victor Osimhen, Nigeria's top shooter, is missing due to injury, and 2019 AFCON leading scorer Odion Ighalo was restricted by his Saudi Arabia club. However, the absences give a few young males the chance to cash in at Africa's lavish house party. Players from the Pharaohs themselves could pose difficulties for the Super Eagles' defense. Mohammed Salah, a star player, is currently in phenomenal shape. Mohammed Elneny of Arsenal and Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet of Aston Villa will join Salah. They will all be expected to take the initiative as Egypt competes for a record-breaking eight African championships.
Index to Nigerian Newspapers
