'We're respected in Africa' - Eguavoen in bullish mood ahead of AFCON cracker vs Egypt

Augustine Eguavoen is in bullish mood ahead of Nigeria's opening game at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Egypt.

The Super Eagles begin their campaign at the AFCON against the continent's most successful team with seven titles, the Pharaohs of Egypt at Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua on January 11.

Egypt have in their ranks arguably the best player in the Premier League at the moment, Mohamed Salah and Eguavoen's biggest headache will be to tame the Liverpool sensation who has directly participated in 32 goals (23 goals, 9 assists) this season.

Manager Carlos Queiroz also has at his disposal Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny, Aston Villa star Trézéguet and Galatasaray striker Mostafa Mohamed.

When Eguavoen was reminded that North African teams are difficult to play against, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner underlined that the Super Eagles are one of the powerhouses in Africa.

"It's also difficult to play against Nigeria, we are respected in Africa as well. Every team that is coming to AFCON is ready and we cannot say we are not ready as well," Eguaoven said.

"We are equally ready, we respect every team and I believe every team respects Nigeria as well so we have to go in there with all our heart, work hard and make sure we try to make sure we meet the expectations.

"We'll take it game after game, what I can also tell you is that the boys are ready, the Federation is ready, Nigerians are ready.

"The only thing we pray for is luck because luck is a big factor in everything you do in life. We will do our best and make sure we make the country proud".

Eguavoen is no stranger to facing North African opponents as he was in the dugout when Nigeria thrashed Algeria 5-2 in a World Cup qualifier in September 2005 and five months later led the team to beat Tunisia in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel