- Advertisement -
Ajax and Borussia Dortmund midfield legend Sunday Oliseh, a teammate of Nigeria’s stand-in coach Austin Eguavoen when a Super Eagles dream team dazzled at the USA 1994 World Cup, hailed the performance against Egypt as “one of the best in years”.
Egypt — including legendary goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy; Mohamed Elneny, Trézéguet and Hamdi Fathi in midfield; and Liverpool goal ace Mohamed Salah upfront — were notably outplayed by Nigeria in the Group D match at Stade Omnisport de Garoua.
Leicester City striker Kelechi Ịheanachọ scored the 30th -minute winner, though Oliseh singled out Nantes winger Moses Simon as his star performer.
“Technically, tactically, physically, mentally and whatever positively you can think of, Eguavoen’s Super Eagles I feel dominated Egypt,” Oliseh tweeted. “The best performance in recent years. At this rate we can be extremely optimistic my people. Moses Simon player of the match?”
- Advertisement -
Hosts Egypt were shocked 1-0 in the last-16 by Bafana Bafana at the 2019 Nations Cup. Eguavoen dismissed suggestions the Pharaohs — coached by ex-SA, Real Madrid and Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz — are any soft touch.
“Egypt is not a weak side at all — it’s a respected side coached by one of the top coaches in the world. And then one of the best players in the world [Salah] is in that team — so you cannot say it’s a weak side,” he said after the win.
“It’s a very strong wide. We also worked so hard day in, day out, tactically and physically, and gave the boys so much confidence.
“Always respect your opponents but don’t be scared. Respect your opponents and play your game — feel free to enjoy yourself. That was the game plan.”
- Advertisement -
Sudan and Guinea-Bissau drew Tuesday’s late Group D game 0-0. Nigeria meet Sudan, and Egypt play Guinea-Bissau, on Saturday.
- Advertisement -
