Egypt Coach Stakes Job Over Nigeria Games

THE hopes of Super Eagles caretaker coach, Samson Siasia to overrun the Pharaohs of Egypt on Friday at the Ah­madu Bello Stadium in Kaduna may just be an empty boast as Coach Hec­tor Cuper has promised Nigeria a hard time and even put his job on the line.According to ahram.com, the Egypt coach at a press conference on Sunday ahead of the clash had insisted there would not be a repeat of any humili­ating defeats as they intended to give their best in the back-to-back AFCON 2017 matches.
“We can beat Nigeria and it’s impos­sible to repeat what happened against Ghana when the team lost 6-1,” Cuper told a news conference on Sunday.
“I usually don’t promise any certain outcomes but I’m confident that we are capable of overcoming Nigeria.”
He also said he did not mind be­ing sacked if Egypt fail to over­come Nigeria.
“I have no problems with Egypt Football Association if they decid­ed to terminate my contract.”
Egypt are leading Group G with six points from two victories over Chad and Tanzania, two ahead of second-placed Nigeria.
With only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualifica­tion for next year’s Nations Cup finals in Gabon, Egypt can move to within touching distance of ending a six-year absence from the bien­nial tournament by avoiding defeat against Nigeria.
“All people know the importance of Nigeria game and this is a dou­ble-edged weapon. If we win, that will be deemed a success and if we lose, we will be subjected to harsh comments and our work during the past period will be ruined,” Argen­tinean coach Cuper added.
“I have the utmost confidence in the abilities of my players.”
Cuper also commented on state­ments from Nigeria coach Samson Siasia that he was confident the Su­per Eagles would emerge winners.