Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021 kick-off with a fierce battle when Nigeria Super Eagles face record champions Egypt on Tuesday 11 January 2022 in Garoua.
Nigeria starts the campaign in high spirits, given the desire of the Super Eagles to return to the continental coronation stage and win the fourth title in the history of the competition.
The Super Eagles were semi finalists at the last edition and they will hope to go a step further this time around to add to their 3 titles won (1980, 1994 & 2013). If that dream of winning another trophy is to materialize, then they need to start well against another tournament favorite, Egypt.
The Pharaohs will also hope to start their campaign with victory and enhance their chances and boost their morale.
Egypt seeks an eighth continental title, more than 10 years since they achieved a historic Africa Cup of Nations treble from 2006 to 2010
After their painful ending the last time out, Mohammed Salah and co will hope to fare better in Cameroon starubg with the Nigeria encounter.
The game kicks off at exactly 16:00 GMT at the multi-purpose Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua.
PRE-MATCH FACTS
⭕ This will be the ninth encounter between Nigeria and Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria hold the upper hand with three wins to Egypt’s two, although their last encounter in 2010 went to the Pharaohs (3-1 in the group phase).
⭕ Nigeria are making their 19th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. They have reached the semi-finals in 14 of their last 16 AFCON participations, winning the tournament on three occasions.
⭕ This is Egypt’s 25th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, a record in the history of the tournament. They have won it seven times, more than any other side. However, they have won none of the last five AFCON tournaments after winning each of the previous three (2006, 2008, 2010).
⭕ Egypt are unbeaten in each of their last 16 group matches at the Africa Cup of Nations (W12 D4). Their last defeat in the group phase dates back to the 2004 tournament (1-2 v Algeria).
⭕ Since his debut in the competition in 2017, Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 60% of Egypt’s goals in the Africa Cup of Nations (4 goals + 2 assists, out of a team total of 10 goals)
