AFCON: How we caged Salah, Egypt – Eguavoen

Coach Austin Eguavoen has said tactics deployed by the Super Eagles against Salah and his teammates on Tuesday include playing to instruction, high pressing and not undermining the Egyptians.


Nigeria had put up a commanding display to defeat seven times winners, Egypt in their opening Group D game of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Just as anticipated, it was a keenly contested game as it was between two teams seen as favourites for the title, Egypt having won last in 2010 and Nigeria 2013. Both teams have ten titles between them.

Following the 1-0 victory secured by Kelechi Iheanacho’s 30th minute strike, Eguaveon assured that his team will persist in fighting the same way they did against Egypt as no team in the competition is a pushover.

“The tactics we deployed were high pressing, coming back to defend as a unit and then not undermining the opponent.” Eguaveon said in a post match analysis.

The plan worked perfectly as Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah was non-existent in the game, save for an effort that Maduka Okoye’s outstretched leg comfortably dealt with.

Regarding his approach to his side’s next game, the gaffer said he intends to take it game after game and that every team at this year’s AFCON should be respected and taken seriously irrespective of the country’s name.

“There are no minors in football anymore, so if you don’t plan well and put in effort, you can be shocked. I don’t know who will win but we will try our possible best to approcah our games with all seriousness”. He concluded

Nigeria will be playing next against Sudan on Saturday.

 Samuel Chukwueze’s mother prays for him ahead of AFCON(video)

Pharaohs coach warns Super Eagles, others

Pharaohs coach warns Super Eagles, others

Pharaohs of Egypt coach, Carlos Queiroz has sent a note of warning to their African Cup of Nations group opponents.

The seven-time AFCON champions will open their account with the Super Eagles of Nigeria on January 11, before going to face Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in the group D pair

The 25-man squad of the Pharaohs have 19 players from the country’s domestic league who are experienced and have played in the AFCON.

“We’re not going to AFCON to take a walk, we are going to win,” said the former Manchester United manager.

“Our goal in the AFCON is to try to win every game, build a winning mentality because in March we will play the final stage of the World Cup qualifiers.

“I am confident that this squad is capable of providing the best performance in the tournament.”

Meanwhile, the Pharaohs have lined up a training match against Congo as part of their preparation for the AFCON.

Super Eagles invite four new players for AFCON