Egypt, Elsewedy review progress on Ain Sokhna phosphate complex    US employment cost index 3.6% up in year to June 2025    Egypt welcomes Canada, Malta's decision to recognise Palestinian state    Pakistan says successfully concluded 'landmark trade deal' with US    Sterling set for sharpest monthly drop since 2022    Egypt, Brazil sign deal to boost pharmaceutical cooperation    Modon Holding posts AED 2.1bn net profit in H1 2025    Egypt's Electricity Ministry says new power cable for Giza area operational    Egypt's Al-Sisi, Italian defence minister discuss Gaza, security cooperation    Egypt's FM discusses Gaza, Nile dam with US senators    Aid airdrops intensify as famine deepens in Gaza amid mounting international criticism    Egypt exports first high-tech potato seeds to Uzbekistan after opening market    Health minister showcases AI's impact on healthcare at Huawei Cloud Summit    On anti-trafficking day, Egypt's PM calls fight a 'moral and humanitarian duty'    Egypt strengthens healthcare partnerships to enhance maternity, multiple sclerosis, and stroke care    Egypt keeps Gaza aid flowing, total tops 533,000 tons: minister    Indian Embassy to launch cultural festival in Assiut, film fest in Cairo    Egyptian aid convoy heads toward Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi sends letter to Nigerian president affirming strategic ties    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Champions Egypt, Nigeria in top spot battle
Published in Daily News Egypt on 11 - 01 - 2010

BENGUELA: Defending champions Egypt and Nigeria clash in the Africa Cup of Nations Group C curtain raiser under the scorching afternoon sun at the brand-new Ombaka Stadium here on Tuesday.
Both teams are expected to progress to the knockout of stage of the continental showpiece at the expense of Mozambique and Benin in the sleepy town of Benguela, about 600 km from the capital Luanda known for its bananas and great beaches.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are using Angola 2010 as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, while six-times African champions Egypt again failed to qualify for the global finals after they were upset by fierce regional rivals Algeria in a play-off.
Egypt have not beaten Nigeria since 1977 and the last time both sides clashed at this competition was 16 years ago, when they drew 0-0 in a group match as Nigeria went on to win their second Nations Cup title in Tunisia.
"Egypt are in a decline now and we have one of the best teams for a Nations Cup in a long time, boasted Nigeria assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi, who played in that game in Tunis in 1994.
However, Amokachi's teammate in that same game, Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, has warned the Pharaohs have to be taken seriously.
"They are double champions for a reason and a skillful midfield could carry them to a hat-trick, warned Okocha.
Egypt are clear that this clash will go a long way in determining how well they will fare in their title defense in Angola.
"Our match against Nigeria will show how we will perform in the following matches, just like the 2008 tournament, said Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan.
At Ghana 2008, Egypt got off to a flying start with an impressive 4-2 opening group win over Cameroon in Kumasi and they then went all the way to clinch a record sixth Nations Cup crown at the expense of the same team three weeks later in Accra.
"Nigeria are a strong team, but we are now familiar with all African teams. I told the players they should do their best to realize their own dreams.
"Personally, I want to win a fourth African title with the national team, said Hassan.
Despite a dramatic qualification for their fourth World Cup in November, there remains a growing dissatisfaction by the public with both the Nigeria coach, Shuaibu Amodu, and the performance of the Eagles.
Amodu may have now qualified Nigeria for the World Cup a second time, but his tactics and team selection continue to be questioned as pressure mounts for him to be replaced with a foreign coach for the World Cup in June.
He may well be sacked if they do not reach at least the semi-finals in Angola.
The Eagles barely managed to beat South African first division side Thanda Royal Zulu courtesy of a penalty goal before they were held to a goalless draw by Zambia in the build-up.
Locomotiv Moscow striker Osaze Odemwingie is likely to miss out after suffering from an infection, meaning Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni will either be partnered upfront by Obafemi Martins or Obinna Nsofor, who scored four goals as Nigeria booked their flight to South Africa 2010.
At 33, Skipper Nwankwo Kanu is also pressing for a place on the starting line-up after an eye-catching display against Zambia in Durban last week.
This would be his last Nations Cup and it would therefore be a most fitting farewell gift should he finally break his goal scoring duck at this tournament in Angola.
Egypt are missing striker Amr Zaki, Mohamed Barakat and Mohamed Abou-Trika, who have been sidelined by injury.
Al-Ahly defense strongman Wael Gomaa made the final squad to Angola, but he is a major injury doubt too.
Borussia Dortmund striker Mohamed Zidan, who made his Nations Cup debut two years ago, will also be leading a relatively inexperienced attack.


Clic here to read the story from its source.