'He can be AFCON's best player' - 1994 AFCON winner, ex-Real Madrid star Adepoju on Salah

Published: January 10, 2022

1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning midfielder Mutiu Adepoju is tipping Mohamed Salah to be the standout player of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Blessed with aerial prowess, the former Real Madrid youth teamer announced his arrival on the international stage when his header gave the Super Eagles the lead in a semifinal clash against Ghana at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations.

Two years later, Adepoju was in the Nigeria side that held Egypt to a goalless draw in the group stage, and was a member of the squad that finished second at AFCON 2000.

Tuesday's encounter between Nigeria and Egypt will be key to the Super Eagles in their bid to top group D of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to Filgoal.com, Adepoju said : "My best memory was in the 1994 African Cup. I participated in the tournament 3 times. It was a great tournament when we won the title and qualified for the World Cup.

"I have good memories when I played against Egypt. We played against them in the African Nations Cup and it ended in a goalless draw.

"Egypt, of course, holds the record for winning the championship, but I remember the match because it is on the way to winning the title."

Adepoju explained why Egypt should be regarded as one of the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

"Egypt has Mohamed Salah who can lead it to the final, and of course he can be the best player in the tournament, and the same for Algeria and Senegal, who have great players".

Nigeria will lock horns with seven-time champions Egypt at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua on Tuesday, starting from 1700 hours.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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