Ladan Bosso and his Flying Eagles team are convinced that they can kick-start their quest to qualify for the next round of the ongoing Africa U-20 Cup of Nations tourney and represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Indonesia later this year, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
The seven time winners of the competition began the tournament on a shaky note losing 1-0 to Senegal last Sunday but could revive their bid to reach the quarter-final of the competition if they defeat hosts, Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium.
Egypt also played out a goalless draw against Mozambique in their first game.
Head-to-head
The two nations enjoy a healthy rivalry at the AFCON, having faced each other six times since their first meeting 36 years ago.
Nigeria edge the head-to-head with three wins while losing two and the other ending in a draw.
The Baby Eagles thumped the North Africans 4-0 in Lagos and only lost 1-2 in Cairo in the quarterfinals on their way to winning a third title in 1987.
The two teams did not meet again until the final of Benin 2005 when the Flying Eagles recorded a 2-0 win to lift the trophy for the fifth time.
Egypt and Nigeria were drawn in Group B alongside Zambia and Cameroon in 2007, but the Flying Eagles advanced to the knockout rounds, alongside Zambia, after drawing 1-1 with the Young Pharaohs.
Again, the Egyptians exited the 2009 edition at the group stage following a 2-0 loss to Nigeria, with the Flying Eagles eventually finishing in third place.
The North Africans finally claimed their pound of flesh in 2013 when they dispatched Nigeria 2-0 in the semifinals on the way to their most recent title triumph.
Match details
Competition: U20 CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Stage: Group stage
Match: Nigeria vs. Egypt
Venue: Cairo International Stadium
Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Kickoff time: 6 pm (Nigerian time)
