Nigeria and Egypt will meet for the 19th time on 11th January at the 2021 edition of AFCON.
Nigeria have won 8 games to Egypt’s 5. At AFCON Nigeria still have the upper hand with 3 wins in their 8 meetings. Interestingly Egypt won their first AFCON meeting in 1963 but had to wait 47 years for another win.
In 2021 both teams have very similar records. Nigeria have been betterdefensively,y conceding 3 goals to Egypt’s 5. However, the Pharaohs have a better attack with 15 goals to the Super Eagles’ 13.
With an equal goal difference, the only differentiator is Nigeria keeping one more clean sheet (5) than their North African counterparts (4). In points terms, they are almost inseparable with their records being equivalent to 19 and 18 points respectively.
Nigeria seem slight favourites based on the better record and more clean sheets, however, they are missing star player Victor Osimehn. The Napoli hit man was responsible for 5 of their 13 goals and will miss out on the tournament. His pace, strength and lethal touch in front of goal are a deadly combo.
Egypt on the other hand will have their talisman, Mo Salah, fit and firing. Salah only scored 2 goals in 2021 but his dribbling and creativity were key to Egypt’s potent attack. Salah leads the English Premier League in goals (16), assists (9), through balls (10), and goal creating actions (19). He is also top 10 in players dribbled past (43)(3rd), Key passes (37)(4th), and Goals – xG (3.5)(4th). He is a fearsome attacking prospect and keeping him quiet will be Nigeria’s main focus.
