By Daily Sports on March 26, 2016
Former Nigerian manager Christian Chukwu believes Group G, which comprises Egypt, Nigeria and Tanzania, is still wide open.
Super Eagles were forced to 1-1 draw by their Egyptian opponents, the Pharaohs, in Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header first-leg clash at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
Attacking midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo put Nigeria in front in the 60th minute while Muhammed Salah scored at the death to hand the North Africans a crucial away point.
Chukwu said the Eagles were careless in the dying minutes, allowing the Egyptians the luxury of an equaliser.
“It was a sad result to finish the match at 1-1 against Egypt with few minutes remaining to play in the key AFCON clash.
“I think the defenders suffered a momentary loss of concentration at a time they should have been 100 percent alert.
“The Egyptians were more tactical throughout the duration of the match while we appeared to be under intense pressure to conjure a victory.
“Well, let us see what happens in the reverse fixture clash next Tuesday in Alexandria.
“It will not be an easy game, but Egypt will be under pressure to win and that will likely open up the match, which we can use to get the all-important win.
“The game and contest for the group’s qualification ticket is still wide open among the contending countries, Egypt, Nigeria and now suddenly Tanzania as well..
“We must strengthen ourselves to go for the broke, throw in everything into the match at Alexandria and chance winning right there at in their backyard.
“Egypt are quite beatable in Alexandria but we must be prepared to do what is needed,” said the former Nigerian strongman to supersport.com.
The score draw still leaves Nigeria on five points, two behind Egypt heading into the reverse fixture clash on Tuesday at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, Egypt.
The group’s winners are guaranteed an automatic spot at the AFCON final in Gabon.
•Photo shows Christian Chukwu.
Source Daily Sports
Posted March 26, 2016
You may also like...
Rohr congratulates Imama
Tammy Abraham on Fire, Grabs Treble as Chelsea...
Young Nigerian Fikayo Tomori’s Rise at Chelsea a...
Key players absent as Eagles seek revenge against...
Joshua boasts: I’ll KO Ngannou
Mueller, Hummels Recalled By Germany For Euro 2020...

Islamic Games: Nigeria celebrates boxing, weightlifting medals
African U-20 champ Oyibu joins Baylor University
Nigeria 4-1 Gabon: Eagles soar into World Cup playoffs final
VIDEO: I handle pressure with calm, focus, says Osimhen
‘Osimhen Super Lig’s most valuable player’
Ekong dismisses Eagles’ special bonus demand rumours
ICYMI: 2026 W’Cup: Nigeria, Gabon to clash in crucial playoff
Falconets end WAFU B tournament unbeaten
Cycling: EKO 170 to boost Lagos tourism drive, says LSSC
World Cup playoffs: Eagles boycott training over bonuses
Fatodu hails Lagos runner after LWR feat
Iwobi defends viral Eagles hotel video
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,334 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,559 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,497 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,127 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,119 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,044 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (51,882 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,467 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,583 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,165 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,547 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,034 views)