It’s Bend-or-break Day For Eagles In Egypt

— Mar 29, 2016 2:37 am | Leave a comment

Having failed to make the best of their home advantage in 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier last Friday in Kaduna against Egypt, Nigeria’s Super Eagles now hang by a thread and are condemned to win today’s encounter in the North Africa nation.

Nigeria, playing before an unprecedented, extremely supportive crowd of over 35, 000, went ahead in the 59th minute through Dream Team VI forward, Oghenekaro Etebo, before a colossal loss of attention set in and AS Roma forward Mohammed Salah got his side back in the game.

While many Nigerians would normally cry and curse, there has been some degree of understanding with the team for playing extremely well, very much unlike them, given their performance in recent years, but it would be unforgivable to miss three AFCONs in the space of six years.

The Egyptians, who were more cautious, but sneaky – and could have run out 2-1 winners – were not so fantastic on the night and will have to watch their play today, in order to stop their visitors from getting the desired result.

The Super Eagles, however, will be up against the 40,000 fans approved by that country’s government, the 11 players on the pitch and a number of other factors.

The Eagles will be extremely careless to concede first, given the antics resorted to by North African teams when they score first, but, as was evident last Friday, the difference between promising to win and wining are quite huge.

Samson Siasia would not want to miss another AFCON and Nigerians would want no more excuses. On the other hand, Egypt is convinced this is a great time to be back in the AFCON, as Hector Cuper will be allowed no excuses. By all summations, it is game on in Egypt.

Both nations have met 16 times, with Nigeria winning seven of those encounters, drawing 5 and losing 4. Whoever wins today would have notched another win and, to a great extent, a place at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon.