Nigeria U23 Coach Speaks Ahead Of Big Game Against One Of The AFCON Favorites Egypt

Speaking ahead of the international friendly between Nigeria and Egypt today at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Dream Team VII coach Imama Amapakabo says the game is important as the coaching staff will be able to assess the Super Eagles players against one of the favorites for the Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Nigeria Football Federation may find it difficult to arrange friendly matches against quality opposition before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations as the FIFA window for international matches becomes closed until June 3 after the games in March 2019.

''This is another preparatory opportunity for us, remember that we will not have plenty of these such games before the tournament proper,'' Amapakabo stated.

''This is a FIFA window, we are glad that we'll be able to play against the host nation and one of the favorites of the tournament.

''It gives an opportunity for us to be able to to assess the work that we've been able to put in during this period of time and how prepared going forward, so that we'll be able to know where to cross our t's and how to dot our i's.''

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr will be missing the services of at least four of the players set to feature at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, with Samuel Kalu, Ola Aina, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho not available for selection against the Pharaohs.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel