As Nigeria and Egypt prepare to square off, both the Super Eagles and the Pharaohs will be keen on maintaining their respective unbeaten runs in Group G. With Tanzania and Chad hoping to improve their own fortunes, things could get pretty interesting in this quartet as all four sides vie fo a spot at the 2017 AFCON tournament in Gabon.
Nigeria
Although they won their third AFCON title in 2013, Nigeria shockingly failed to make the cut for the 2015 edition. The Super Eagles will be under intense pressure to make sure that this does not happen again, and currently sit second in their group, with four points from their first two games. Interim coach Samson Siasia, who took over following Sunday Oliseh's resignation this past February, will be hoping to start things off right in his second spell with the team.
Since last year, there have been some changes within the squad. One notable absentee will be former goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who is the Super Eagles' most decorated player with 101 caps. The Lille shot-stopper, who also served as the team's skipper and played an integral role in their 2013 AFCON triumph, opted to hang up his gloves last October.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who plies his trade in his native country with Sunshine Stars, is one of several goalkeepers who has been called up and could be tasked with filling the big shoes left behind by Enyeama.
Meanwhile, Siasia has also opted to give some promising youngsters a chance, with Manchester City and Arsenal starlets Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi being added to the group. And midfielder John Obi Mikel - who is now the team's most capped member with 74 to his name - is another Premier League-based player included as part of the group who will prepare to welcome Egypt this Friday.
Egypt
Currently, Egypt, who are now under the guidance of Hector Cuper, are on top of Group G, with a perfect 100 per cent win record. The Pharaohs are also the top scoring side in the group, having netted an impressive eight goals from just their past two games, whilst conceding only once. Like Nigeria, they also shockingly missed out on a spot in the last AFCON tournament, and the failure to make it for the 2015 edition marked the third straight competition in which Egypt were unable to feature in.
Given that they are Africa's most successful team - with seven AFCON titles - the downturn in results over the past few years was quite disconcerting for fans, especially since prior to this, they had won three straight titles dating back to 2006. Still, it appears that their troubles are behind them, and they will be hoping to qualify for their first AFCON tournament since winning it in 2010.
The vast majority of Egypt's squad feature in their local domestic league, but players like Mohamed El Nenny and Mohamed Salah, who play their club football for Arsenal and Roma respectively, will be quite familiar to most football followers outside of Egypt. Salah, in particular, is one player that many Egyptians have placed a great deal of faith in to help carry the team. At just 23, the Giallorossi attacker has scored 22 goals in 39 appearances since making his debut in 2011 and is presently eighth on the all-time top goalscorers list for his nation.
Which channel is broadcasting Nigeria vs Egypt on TV or Online?
The Ahmadu Bello Stadium will be hosting this match between Nigeria and Egypt, and this game indeed could decide who clinches top spot in the table. For those who are too far away to attend in person, LiveSoccerTV.com has compiled some options to catch the game via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some selections for fans residing in the following countries:
- In the USA at 11.00 EST on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A.
- In Nigeria at 16.00 WAT on: SuperSport Select, SLGO, SuperSport 3 Nigeria, SuperSport 9, SuperSport 3 Africa
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Nigeria vs Egypt broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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