Nigerians Tip Super Eagles To Beat Pharaohs

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles play her first match tomorrow in the 27th edition of African Nations Cup against two times defending champions, Egypt, in Angola, football analysts, fans  and administrators have expressed their opinions and feelings against the match.

In his reaction, former youth  international Benebi, ‘Carlos Numa said  the match against Egypt would not be easy, because as  defending champions, they will like to prove their pedigree.

According to him, Nigerians should not be in a haste to conclude that the Super Eagles would lift the trophy.

“I can draw conclusions when I see the performances of Super Eagles in their first two matches, particularly against Egypt, I am saying this because everybody knows how we qualify for the 2010 World Cup”, he said.

Numa continued that Coach Shaibu Amodu should understand that his team is playing against a good side that is tactically and technically sound. Consequently,  should ensure that his defence is very tight.

The 1985 U-17 World Cup winner in China advised the Super Eagles to be careful in their tackles  because of the antics of on the North Africans.

He further advised the Eagles to put in their best in the game, saying that determination and commitment are the keys to success.

Benjamin Wiko, chief coach of  the Pioneers FC, Port Harcourt  described Egypt as a strong team apart from being two times champions, so, Coach Amodu should field players that would be ready to make sacrifice for the nation and not manage any player no matter his pedigree.

According to him, Egypt play fast football and the Super Eagles should try to slow down the game and take their chances as they came.

“I know that our Super Eagle’s will definitely win the Pharaohs, but we should be careful with them because in football anything can happen” he warned.

James Onoja, a renowned sports analyst, in his contribution said the match against Egypt would be a very tight one for Nigeria because Egypt’s failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup would spur them to compensate themselves with the nations cup by lifting it again.

Onoja predicted that the least Eagles would get is a draw in the game.  He observed Eagles performed below expectations during the past two editions of the tournament and need to raise their game.

He used the forum to call on Coach Shaibu Amodu to  concentrate more on his strike force, because it is goals that are needed not fancy displays that we used to see in most of the Eagles matches.

Otis Asonye, chairman Dolphins FC Port Harcourt Supporters Clubs, in his opinion tipped Super Eagles to win the match.

He, however, expressed fears over the inadequate preparation of the Eagles. He suggested that the authorities concerned should ensure that Nigeria have a full squad of home based Super Eagles team to complement  the foreign based players because right now, there is no good team work in the Super Eagles team.

Simeon Ojoko, the Chief Coach of Gateway International Church Football Academy,  advised  Super Eagles players to take the Egypt  match seriously, because playing with defending champions, is a high profile match, especially, in an opening game.

Former Rivers State Commissioner for Sports Hon. Alwell Onyesoh believes that the opening match of the group C could go either way given the pedigree of both teams in African football.

Onyesoh remarked that the encounter would be keenly contested and interesting to watch, but, would record a low score line at the end of the day.

He noted that Egyptians teams are known for their good mid field play, thus, he would not be surprised to see the Eagles and Pharaohs play out their hearts.    

Tonye Orabere and Nancy Briggs