Eagles’ ll Fly Over Egypt —Uzoenyi

Ahead of Thursday’s international friendly game against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Dubai, Super Eagles attacking midfielder, Ejike Uzoenyi has boasted they would fly over the North Africans.

Uzoenyi, who is among the 21 players currently in Dubai for the showdown, said that the local professionals are delighted to play against Egypt.

He said the game will surely bring out their best knowing that their opponents are one of the strongest teams in Africa, and they have been in camp for more than a month playing friendly games.

“I must confess that the game against Egypt is the type of game that I crave to play because playing against a tough team like Egypt will bring out the best in us (home based players).

“It will be a true test of our might and I am sure Egypt will fall. We have the players that can defeat them, though, it is a friendly game. But to us, it is an opportunity to showcase the confidence that the Technical Crew have bestowed on us. I pray we play very well and win.” Uzoenyi said.

Egypt, the seven – time African champions failed to qualify for the last edition of the African Cup of Nations like Nigeria. The international friendly game between the two sides is very crucial to rebuilding the confidence that departed the team with their failure to qualify for the African football fiesta, therefore the game promises to be very explosive.

Uzoenyi, the left sided midfielder insisted that Nigeria have more to prove in the game than Egypt, hence their determination to win the tie, having been on the losing end 3-1 when both teams met at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.

“We know that Egypt too like Nigeria did not play at the last African Nations Cup, both sides may play under pressure to win, but the Eagles have to prove that we are better. You know the last time Nigeria played Egypt; it ended 3-1 against the Super Eagles.

“So, we are determined that it will not repeat itself on Thursday. Whether we are home-based Eagles does not matter, the Pharaohs are also home-based. We have the winning mentality now and that is why we will be playing to win against Egypt, although it is a friendly game.” Uzoenyi concluded.

—Francis Achi /Abuja