Angola 2010: Amodu, Super Eagles Face Nations Cup Test morrow …Clash With Egypt In Group C Opener

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will tomorrow in Benguela, Angola begin their quest for glory in the 27th Africa Cup of Nations, tagged Angola 2010, as they clash with defending champions, the  Pharoahs of Egypt.

It is the beginning of the test of the resolve of the Nigerian team and the ability of coach Shuaibu Amodu to, first of all, achieve the semi final mandate given the team by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and ending the search for the championships elusive ultimate prize since 1994.

On paper, the game looks to be a titanic tie between two African football powers which promises to produce a quality context.

Egypt though appears to have a slight edge when recent form is put into consideration.

The Pharaohs have won the title back-to-back  on the last two editions and seem to know how to navigate the terrain.

But the teams inability to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the absence of influential players, Mohammed Aboutarika, Amr Zaki and Mido cast a question on their chances in Angola.

For the Super Eagles, it has not been smooth sailing for them as they struggled to edge out Tunisia in the race for South Africa 2010.

Also, the lack of the finesse and killer instinct the team was noted for in the past and the apparent lack of confidence on Coach Amodu, and the presence to do well in the competition may weigh down the Eagles.

Interestingly, however, the Nigerian team knows that their fate on the competition may be shaped by the outcome of tomorrow’s match.

Coach Amodu and Skipper Nwankwo Kanu have underlined the importance of the match by declaring that Egypt must be beaten.

Indeed, the Pharaohs seem to be at their most vulnerable point but the Super Eagles must be cautious.

They must avoid the disjointed performance, poor defending and lethargic marksmanship  that were the hallmark of their qualify campaign if they are to beat the Egyptians and pass the test that is before them in Angola.