Egyptian Journalist Mohamed Mustafa Reveals Mood in Country Ahead of AFCON Showdown With Nigeria

• Nigeria vs Egypt is already gathering momentum as both sides open their AFCON 2021 accout on January 11
• In what many has tagged the 'final-before-final', Egyptian journalist Mohamed Mustafa says there is anxiety in the North African nation
• The Super Eagles take on the Pharaohs on Tuesday, January 11, in Group D, as both teams will seek to start the competition on a winning note

Ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations opener against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Egyptian journalist Mohamed Mustafa has disclosed that there is a "state of anxiety" in the North African nation.

AFCON 2021 kicks off on January 9, and the Pharaohs will open their account at the tournament two days later when they take on the Super Eagles.

Both countries are among the favourites to win the tournament in Cameroon, but it would be a battle of the heavyweights in the early stage of the competition, GOAL reports.

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Ahlmasrnews news writer Mohamed Mustafa, in an exclusive chat with Sports Brief, stated that Egyptians are worried as there is anxiety in the land.

On who will win the tie between Nigeria and Egypt, Mustafa said:

“I see it as a difficult match for sure. I think it will end in a draw. In Egypt, there is a state of anxiety, especially after our coach Queiroz’s statements that he aims only to reach the World Cup, but we hope to reach as far as possible in the tournament."

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah who is in blistering form is expected to lead the attack for the Pharaohs as they chase their eight continental title.

On a personal note, Mustafa added that he thinks the Pharaohs will reach the quarter-final stage of the competition, and from there anything could happen. He added:

“I think they will reach the quarter-finals, and then the competition will be even fiercer.”

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Maduka Okoye battle ready for Mohamed Salah

Meanwhile, Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye believes Nigeria has the quality to stop Egypt forward Mohamed Salah from causing trouble when the two sides face off in the Africa Cup of Nations. R

And ahead of the mouthwatering encounter, Okoye seems to be ready to face Salah if he behinds the sticks for Nigeria.

Okoye, who is a player for Watford but currently on loan at Sparta Rotterdam, believes the Super Eagles can stop Salah from shining.

Ismaila Sarr joins Senegal

Sports Brief earlier reported that Senegal can breathe a huge sigh of relief after their star man Ismaila Sarr was released by Watford on Tuesday, January 4 to join his country ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegalese Football Federation disclosed that the 23-year old had taken an Air France flight from London and would arrive in Cameroon in due time.

This came after Watford claimed Sarr was still injured and was on the road to recovery as Senegal accused the Premier League outfit of refusing to release their player for the tournament.