by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are determined to replicate their memorable 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Alexandria, as they meet again at the same stage in the ongoing 34th edition of the tournament in Abidjan on Saturday.
Back in 2019 at the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt, the Super Eagles rallied from a 1-2 deficit to triumph 3-2 against Cameroon, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Odion Ighalo scored two goals, and Alex Iwobi, present in Abidjan and expected to play a pivotal role on Saturday, netted the winner.
Captain Ahmed Musa, defenders William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Ola Aina, and Chidozie Awaziem, along with forward Moses Simon, all present in Abidjan, played key roles in that thrilling encounter in North Africa.
Looking back on that challenging game, Captain Ahmed Musa remarked, “That game was a tough duel and brought out the best in us, especially when we went 1-2 down despite scoring first. In the dressing room, we told ourselves that we could not allow that to happen. We played for one another, and we were happy to win at the end.
“Of course, we know the match on Saturday will be even tougher. The Cameroonians will be determined not to lose again, but we will give our very best and go for a win. We can do it again. We aspire to win the trophy, and nothing has changed that,” Musa emphasized on Friday.
Nigerian legends Olusegun Odegbami, Jay Jay Okocha, Augustine Eguavoen, Daniel Amokachi, and Garba Lawal have traveled to Abidjan to support the team, joining thousands of Cote d’Ivoire-based Nigerians to cheer on the Eagles.
NFF Technical Director Austine Eguavoen, part of the squad that triumphed in Tunisia in 1994, stressed the need for heightened preparation against Cameroon: “Cameroon will always come with determination and grit. We have to be even more prepared for them and deploy the greater flair and flexibility that we have.”
Notably, injured midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, who suffered an injury in the match against Equatorial Guinea, has returned to training and might feature alongside Frank Onyeka, while Alex Iwobi provides creative support in the midfield.
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro may opt for a defensive lineup consisting of Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi, with the possibility of Kelechi Iheanacho playing alongside Victor Osimhen upfront.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In the anticipated AFCON Round of 16 clash between regional rivals Nigeria and Cameroon, the spotlight may shift from the goal scorers to the midfield enforcers, with Frank Onyeka for the Super Eagles and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for the Indomitable Lions set for a compelling battle on Saturday night.
The responsibility to control the midfield falls on the tenacious talent, Frank Onyeka, for the Super Eagles, while opposite him is the formidable Indomitable Lion, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. This sets the stage for an intriguing mano a mano duel that could significantly influence the outcome of the match and the teams’ AFCON journey.
Despite the attackers often claiming the spotlight, the clash in the engine room between Onyeka and Zambo Anguissa is poised to play a crucial role in determining which team advances.
Both Onyeka and Zambo Anguissa share similar profiles, making them ideal opponents to neutralize each other. As combative midfielders, they bring boundless stamina and innate physicality to the pitch, setting the tone by trying to overpower their opponents.
Neither midfielder is willing to give an inch without a fight – precisely the control and aggression that manager Jose Peseiro desires from Onyeka to disrupt Cameroon’s play. If successful in halting Anguissa, the Super Eagles can cut off the supply line to Cameroon’s forwards and regain possession for dangerous counter-attacks.
However, if Anguissa breezes past Onyeka early uncontested, he can pick passes to unleash Cameroon’s athletic attackers before Nigeria’s defense sets.
In possession, both midfielders look to drive play forward directly, with Onyeka developing his passing range to transfer balls quickly to Nigeria’s pacey wingers, staying central to commit defenders. Meanwhile, Anguissa carries experience in shifting play while also using close control and feints to force his way past markers.
When out of possession, both industrious engines aim to cut off passing channels into the talented attackers. Onyeka covers frontal zones leading to Victor Osimhen, while Anguissa patrols laterally, utilizing his wingspan to target Karl Toko Ekambi’s entries into the box.
As these midfield lynchpins seek to suffocate space and supply lines, even the smallest duel or positional lapse offers a gateway for match-changing moments that their respective teams can exploit.
With potential quarterfinal places delicately hanging in the balance, the individual who adds more dynamism or better shackles his midfield foe gains a supreme advantage. If Onyeka bests his accomplished counterpart, the Super Eagles should soar onward. But if Zambo Anguissa bullies past Nigeria’s emerging guard, Cameroon will fancy enacting swift revenge.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Babafemi Raji, the Media Officer for the Super Eagles, assured on Friday in Abidjan that all players are fit and prepared for their Round of 16 encounter against Cameroon.
The Super Eagles are set to face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a pivotal match at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Saturday.
All 25 players participated in a light training session at the Police Nationale Ecole de Police D’ Abidjan on Friday. The training, open to journalists and the public for the first 30 minutes, showcased the team’s readiness.
Raji, speaking to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the training, confirmed that there were no injury concerns, and the entire squad was available for selection.
“No injury concerns, the players are pumped up, and all members of the squad are available for selection and in good spirit,” he said.
Tactically, the coaching staff has been working tirelessly to develop the right strategy for the match, aiming for an outright win within 90 minutes. Raji urged Nigerians to support and pray for the team.
On the topic of forwards Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze being more clinical in front of goal, Raji emphasized that football is a team sport, and success or challenges are shared collectively.
“We win, lose, or draw together. This time tomorrow, we will win together,” he stated.
Regarding the potential inclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho in the matchday squad against Cameroon, Raji clarified that the decision lies with Coach Jose Peseiro and is based on Iheanacho’s readiness.
Speaking on the performance of the current number one goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, Raji noted that Nwabali is in the form of his life, drawing strength from the competition and support within the team.
“Nwabili is having a good time, same with the other goalkeepers in the squad. In every department, there is competition, which is very great. Football is a team sport; it is a team event. We don’t look at individuals. The moral support he gets also comes from his teammates; the likes of Uzoho and Ojo,” he concluded.
The training session, starting at 4:30 p.m., concluded at 6:30 p.m. (NAN).
by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 will feature Egypt taking on Congo DR at Stade Laurent Pokou on Sunday evening.
The victor in this clash will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will meet either Equatorial Guinea or Guinea, set to compete earlier in the day in Abidjan.
Match Preview: Before the tournament commenced, few could have anticipated Egypt, the seven-time champions, reaching the last 16 without securing a single win in the group stages. The Pharaohs managed only three points in their three group matches, all drawn with a 2-2 scoreline.
Rui Vitoria’s squad exhibited a mixed performance in the group stages, including a resilient showing against Ghana, where they twice came from behind. Despite a turbulent final group stage fixture, Egypt aims for a smoother result, though history suggests that might involve a penalty shootout.
Nevertheless, The Pharaohs draw confidence from their positive history against Congo DR, having lost only one of their five Africa Cup of Nations encounters, winning three and drawing the other.
Congo DR’s journey to the last 16 mirrors Egypt’s, drawing all three group-stage fixtures. Sebastien Desabre’s side has faced a recent struggle, failing to win any of their last six matches in all competitions, with only one victory in their last 10.
Of the teams qualifying for the round of 16, Congo DR scored the second-fewest goals in the group stage (2), surpassed only by Namibia (1).
Despite advancing from the group stage in their last four AFCON appearances, Congo DR faced early exits in 2019 and 2017, signaling a challenging path in knockout matches.
Team Form:
- Egypt AFCON form: DDD
- Egypt all competitions form: WWWDDD
- Congo DR AFCON form: DDD
- Congo DR all competitions form: LDLDDD
Team News: Egypt will miss Mohamed Salah due to injury, relying on Mostafa Mohamed for the attack. Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy is also unavailable, with Mohamed Abou Gabal taking his place. Midfielder Emam Ashour is ruled out with a concussion.
For Congo DR, defender Henock Inonga’s availability remains uncertain due to a head injury. Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu are key players in their attacking lineup.
Possible Starting Lineups:
- Egypt: Gabal; Hany, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Fotouh; Fathi, Attia, Elneny; Zizo, Mohamed, Marmoush
- Congo DR: Mpasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Batubinsika, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Silas, Kakuta, Bakambu; Wissa
Prediction: We anticipate a closely contested match, with Egypt securing a 2-1 victory. The seven-time champions may have struggled in the tournament, but their experience could prove crucial. Congo DR’s resilience may keep the match level, potentially exposing gaps for Egypt to exploit on the counter-attack. While the match could extend, we predict Egypt to progress to the next round.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Egyptian Football Association has performed a ritual sacrifice of a cow in hopes of boosting the national team’s luck at the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to team spokesman Mohamed Morad, the federation slaughtered the cow and distributed its meat to those in need in Cairo the day before. As Egypt, still without a victory, prepares for the round of 16 against Congo DR in San Pedro on Sunday, the team faced a one-hour delay in their flight from Abidjan to San Pedro on Friday.
Injuries have plagued Egypt’s campaign, with star Mohamed Salah sidelined due to a hamstring injury in the second group game and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy suffering a dislocated shoulder in the third and final group match. Emam Ashour underwent overnight hospitalization on Wednesday for concussion treatment following a head injury in training. Fortunately, he has since rejoined the squad.
