Nigeria have been drawn alongside North African giants Egypt, Guinea Bissau and Sudan in Group D of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations following the draw held in Yaounde on Tuesday, August 17.
Egypt, the most successful team in Africa Cup of Nations history with seven titles, came in for criticism after they failed to progress to the quarterfinals of the tournament hosted by them in 2019, losing 1-0 to South Africa in the round of 16.
Super Eagles Media Officer Babafemi Raji has suggested that Liverpool star Mohamed Salah will be the most important player for the Pharaoh's in next year's tournament holding in Cameroon.
The Egyptians also have in their ranks Aston Villa star Trézéguet, Olympiakos' Kouka and Galatasaray's Mostafa Mohamed.
Salah has scored a remarkable 45 goals in 70 international appearances for Egypt and one of those goals was against the Super Eagles in an AFCON qualifier in March 2016.
Speaking to OnTime Sports TV, Raji said : "When you mention the Egyptian National Team, the top name you'll hear is Mohamed Salah, mind you the Egyptian side are also good.
"They were hosts the last time out, unfortunately they were kicked out of the tournament at their backyard, and they will be coming to try to make amends to their fans at home.
"If you ask me as a journalist not as a Media Officer, on paper I'll pick Nigeria and Egypt as the favorites to qualify from the group."
"They were hosts the last time out, unfortunately they were kicked out of the tournament at their backyard, and they will be coming to try to make amends to their fans at home.
"If you ask me as a journalist not as a Media Officer, on paper I'll pick Nigeria and Egypt as the favorites to qualify from the group."
The Super Eagles will be facing Egypt in their opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua on
January 11, starting from 1700 hours.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : instagram.com/mosalah
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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
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