Former Egyptian football stars identified the steps that Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, the coach of the Egypt national team, should take to beat Nigeria.
Egypt is preparing to face Nigeria, on Tuesday, at the Rumde Adjea Stadium, in the first round of the group stage of the African Nations Cup.
Before the match, a number of Egyptian football stars were keen on setting the best way for the Egyptian team to play in order to beat Nigeria.
The beginning was made by Ibrahim Saeed, the former player of Zamalek, Al-Ahly and the Egyptian national team, as he confirmed that the players of the Egyptian national team have sufficient experience to deal with such matches.
Saeed called on the players of the Egyptian national team not to rush and not to keep up with the Nigerian players on the physical level, in light of the physical strength of the “Al-Nusour” players.
The former star of Al-Ahly and Zamalek stressed that the Egyptian team can overcome the Nigeria team with skill and intelligence, provided that there is no rush and hurry.
Saeed also pointed out the need to make good use of the set-balls, as they are one of the tools that can change the course of matches.
The matter was supported by Mohamed Nagy “Gedo”, the former star of Al-Ahly and the Egyptian national team, who was the most prominent star of the “Pharaohs” when winning the 2010 African Nations Cup.
Gedo confirmed in television statements that the Nigeria national team has a large constellation of stars and distinguished elements in its ranks, in addition to the fact that they have been playing together for a long time.
Gedo stressed that Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz must prepare well for the match, and study all the Nigerian strengths to win the three points, especially since this match is considered the most important in the group.
Mohamed Barakat, the star of Al-Ahly and the former Egyptian national team and a member of the Egyptian Football Association, confirmed that the match will be very difficult, in light of the strength of Nigeria’s offensive line.
Barakat stressed that the key to victory is to remove the Nigerian team’s offensive line from the danger zones, and put pressure on its defense lines, as it is its weakest.
On the other hand, Khaled Al-Ghandour, the former star of Zamalek and the Egyptian national team, confirmed that the match will be the key to reaching the final of the African Nations Cup, because winning it will make the “Pharaohs” at the top of the group, and then avoid many major teams in the following roles.
Al-Ghandour stressed the need to study the Nigeria national team well, because it will not be limited to monitoring Mohamed Salah only, as he owns many weapons.
Khaled Al-Ghandour bet on the insistence and character of the Egyptian national team players in the Nigeria match and the tournament in general, stressing that this matter is sometimes more important than the coach’s capabilities.
As for Hisham Hanafi, the former Al-Ahly star, he stressed the need for Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”, Aston Villa’s English player, to be in the starting lineup in the midfield.
Hanafi said that Trezeguet will play in the midfield alongside Hamdi Fathi and Mohamed Elneny, because he is characterized by skill and speed, and will give Egypt strength in the Nigeria match.
On the other hand, Hossam Hassan, the Egyptian football legend and the current coach of the Alexandrian Federation, confirmed that the Egyptian team has the chances to win the championship and beat Nigeria.
Hassan said in televised statements that the Egyptian national team is in good shape, and has players of very distinguished levels, whether as professionals or locally.
Al-Ameed stressed that the Egyptian team is the first candidate to win the title, pointing out that facing Nigeria is a strong and difficult test, but the group is within reach.