Watford loanee reveals what Super Eagles must do to stop Egypt sensation Salah
Published: January 04, 2022
Watford loanee Maduka Okoye has revealed what the Super Eagles players must to to prevent Egypt winger Mohamed Salah from wreaking havoc on the pitch when both countries face off in their Africa Cup of Nations opener on Tuesday, January 11.
Salah has been in sensational form so far this season, directly participated in 32 goals (23 goals, 9 assists) from 26 appearances in all competitions.
The 29-year-old has also impressed on international duty by providing three assists for his teammates during the World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles must be on their toes throughout the duration of the game to snuff out the threat of the Egyptian hotshot - something the likes of Antonio Rüdiger, Harry Maguire, Aymeric Laporte and Felipe have failed to do this season.
Quizzed on exactly what needs to be done to curb the threat of Salah, Okoye answered : "Like you said ninety minutes fully focused and confident, we are not allowed to be scared.
"I think we have the quality to stop even players like this not to give us too much danger."
An undisputed starter under erstwhile coach Gernot Rohr, Okoye has confessed that his starting spot is no longer guaranteed, especially as Augustine Eguavoen has said that everyone is starting on a clean slate.
The Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper is competing with Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi and John Noble for just one spot in the starting eleven.
"Of course, it is a new competition and it feels different because nothing is safe, nothing is promised so we are back on fighting for the spot again, but one thing is for sure no matter who is going to play we're going to do everything for the country and do our best."
Okoye trained for the first time with his international teammates on Monday having linked up with the squad at their training camp in Abuja.
Salah has been in sensational form so far this season, directly participated in 32 goals (23 goals, 9 assists) from 26 appearances in all competitions.
The 29-year-old has also impressed on international duty by providing three assists for his teammates during the World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles must be on their toes throughout the duration of the game to snuff out the threat of the Egyptian hotshot - something the likes of Antonio Rüdiger, Harry Maguire, Aymeric Laporte and Felipe have failed to do this season.
Quizzed on exactly what needs to be done to curb the threat of Salah, Okoye answered : "Like you said ninety minutes fully focused and confident, we are not allowed to be scared.
"I think we have the quality to stop even players like this not to give us too much danger."
An undisputed starter under erstwhile coach Gernot Rohr, Okoye has confessed that his starting spot is no longer guaranteed, especially as Augustine Eguavoen has said that everyone is starting on a clean slate.
The Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper is competing with Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi and John Noble for just one spot in the starting eleven.
"Of course, it is a new competition and it feels different because nothing is safe, nothing is promised so we are back on fighting for the spot again, but one thing is for sure no matter who is going to play we're going to do everything for the country and do our best."
Okoye trained for the first time with his international teammates on Monday having linked up with the squad at their training camp in Abuja.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Latest News
- Manu Garba impressed with Golden Eaglets midfield pre-U17 WAFU B, identifies three positions to fortify
- Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo provides injury update on Awoniyi pre-Everton
- Gift Orban replacement: Gent on brink of deal for tall Danish-Nigerian striker dubbed 'The New Onuachu'
- Spain youth team call-up for former Liverpool winger Elijah Gift; also eligible for Nigeria and Cuba
- Confirmed team news: Super Eagles defender Collins might miss Cardiff City v Southampton
- Photo: Trabzonspor striker Onuachu trains with special bandage ahead of potential return to action
- Transfer guru rules out possibility of 2021 Super Eagles invitee making a return to Chelsea this summer
- 'No one has ever said Chukwueze is poor' - Trevisani urges AC Milan winger to justify his transfer fee
- European competitions: Lookman, Tella, Boniface, Kayode, Onyedika, Iroegbunam advance to semifinals
- Meet Victoria Ezebinyuo: SC Freiburg's 2019 Euro U17 winner eligible for Super Falcons
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football