Super Eagles’ first group stage opponents at the AFCON2021 Egypt on Saturday evening touched down in Garoua, North West Cameroon, where they will play their first two games in the competition, www.aclsports.com reports.
Egypt, coached by former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz landed in Garoua at about 5pm local time and were ushered into their designated hotel by CAF officials.
The Pharaohs were handed a heavy blow 24 hours before their flight, after many members of the team contracted Covid-19. The names include goalkeeper Mohamed Abogabal and Pyramids FC youngster Ibrahim Adel.
Goalkeeping coach Essam El-Hadary also tested positive along with other members of the coaching staff such as Mohamed Salah (not the player), Ali Mohamed Ali, performance analyst Gerard Moore, and recovery specialist Mostafa Sadek.
Egypt, record winners of the AFCON will be officially welcomed to the tournament by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Sunday morning in a brief ceremony with Egypt captain Mohamed Salah to be handed a welcome plaque.
The Pharaohs had a swimming refresher exercise on their arrival and will have their first official training session on Sunday evening at the Stade Roumdé Adjia – Annexé in Garoua in preparation for their group opener.
Nigeria vs Egypt will kick-off at 5pm local time in Garoua on Tuesday with the group’s second game holding at 8pm between Sudan and Guinea-Bissau at the same venue, Stade Roumdé Adjia.
Fisayo Dairo, reporting from Garoua, Cameroon
