Egypt coach: Losing to Nigeria is no option

Egypt national team manager Hector Cuper has said his team is not contemplating losing to the Super Eagles when they play today in the first of two matches to be played in the space of four days of the 2017 AFCON qualifiers.

Speaking with CAFonline.com, Cuper said the match is a must win for Egypt.

“Everyone is waiting for this match, and this makes it a double edged weapon. Winning will put us on the right track;
losing will mean pressure on our shoulders. I promise we will do everything we can. I have been a coach for a very long time, and never promised to win a game. We will do our best, that’s what I can promise,” he said.

With the overwhelming majority of his squad – 16 players – coming from Cairo giants Al Ahly and Zamalek, the
Argentine expressed his satisfaction with both teams recent African exploits.

Read also: Musa hands over Eagles captaincy to Mikel

“Seeing Ahly and Zamalek progressing in the CAF Champions League was very important for the Pharaohs, both mentally and technically,” he explained.

The 60-year-old also praised his European-based players, including Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and AS Roma’s Mohamed Salah.

“They have been awesome in the recent weeks, and hopefully they will continue their in-form performances. Nigeria is a talented team with strength and pace and we have to match them on the field.

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