Champions Egypt, Nigeria in top spot battle

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 kilometres (370 miles) 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 defence 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 realise 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 replaeced 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 Aboutrika, who have been sidelined by injury.

Al Ahly defence 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.